Sussex Lifeboat Crews Make Waves at RNLI’s 200th Anniversary
Volunteers from Sussex’s RNLI stations, including the legendary Brighton and Newhaven crews, gathered at Westminster Abbey on Monday, 4 March 2024. They marked a massive milestone – 200 years of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) battling the seas to save lives.
Brighton and Newhaven: Centuries of Courage
Brighton RNLI, one of the first lifeboat stations set up in 1824, boasts an incredible record: 2,602 launches and 343 lives saved. Meanwhile, Newhaven, dating back to May 1803 and taken over by RNLI in 1854, stands as one of the country’s oldest stations. Both have undergone many modern upgrades, cementing their roles as stalwarts of maritime safety.
Volunteers’ Pledge and Community Spirit
Roger Cohen MBE, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Newhaven and Brighton, led the Volunteers Pledge at the service. He called the day “a chance to commemorate and celebrate the immense work and sacrifices of selfless lifesavers before us.”
The event drew RNLI volunteers from all over Sussex – Shoreham, Eastbourne, Hastings, Rye, Selsey, and Littlehampton joined the celebrations, showing off the tight-knit spirit that keeps this lifesaving force going.
Honouring Heroes Past and Present
Among the crowd were Newhaven’s longest-serving volunteer, Nick Gentry, with 41 years under his belt, and Gary Marsh, Newhaven Launch Authority. Their presence highlighted the ongoing tradition of selfless service at the heart of the RNLI.
The 200th anniversary service not only toasted the past but also looked ahead, reaffirming a commitment to saving lives at sea. Sussex crews standing proud at Westminster Abbey showcased a legacy that continues to inspire and protect Britain’s coastlines.
