In a historic gathering, volunteers from Sussex’s RNLI stations, including the venerable Brighton and Newhaven lifeboat crews, convened at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 4 March 2024, to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). This momentous occasion celebrated two centuries of heroic efforts and dedication to saving lives at sea.
Brighton RNLI, one of the original lifeboat stations established in 1824, has a storied history of bravery and service, launching 2,602 times and saving 343 lives over the years. Newhaven Lifeboat, with its origins dating back to May 1803, stands as one of the oldest lifeboat stations in the country, with the RNLI taking over operations in 1854. The station’s evolution from its early days, through modernization efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflects the enduring commitment to maritime safety.
