Brighton, East Sussex – As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrates its remarkable 200-year journey of saving lives at sea, Brighton, East Sussex volunteers will play a poignant role in commemorating this milestone.
On Monday, three dedicated members of the Brighton lifeboat crew will join others from across the country at Westminster Abbey for a special service of thanksgiving.
With a rich history dating back to 1824, Brighton’s association with lifesaving efforts runs deep. Since the inception of its first lifeboat station in the same year, Brighton’s brave crews have launched an impressive 2,602 times, rescuing a total of 343 individuals from perilous situations at sea.
Reflecting on the station’s storied past, it’s evident that heroism is not a new phenomenon for Brighton’s lifeboat volunteers. In 1824, Charles Watts became the recipient of the station’s first silver medal for his valiant rescue of three individuals from a distressed pleasure boat.
This act of courage set a precedent for the generations of lifesavers to come. Among the notable accolades earned by Brighton’s crew is a gold medal awarded to Capt Digby Marsh in 1840.
Capt. Marsh’s gallant efforts led to the rescue of 22 men and boys, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of Brighton’s volunteers to their lifesaving mission.
In the present day, three esteemed members of Brighton’s lifeboat crew – Roger Cohen, John Webster, and Tim Kingston – will represent their station at the Westminster service.
Mr Cohen, who will be honoured to read the RNLI pledge during the event, expressed profound pride in continuing the legacy of lifesaving that has defined Brighton’s crew for generations.
“We’re the latest generation carrying on the lifesaving work which many generations have carried out before us,” Mr. Cohen remarked. “We’re proud to carry the torch for 2024, and we hope our celebrations will inspire the lifesavers of the future to ensure the RNLI continues to save lives for many years to come.”
Brighton’s journey has not been without challenges, with the lifeboat station experiencing periods of closure between 1931 and 1965 and again from 1975 to 1979.
However, the resilience and dedication of its volunteers ensured that Brighton and Hove’s coast remained protected by the Shoreham lifeboat during these interim periods.
Today, Brighton’s lifeboat station stands proudly at Brighton Marina, equipped with an Atlantic 85B class lifeboat named “Random Harvest.” This modern vessel serves as a testament to Brighton’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the lives of those at sea.
As the RNLI marks two centuries of unwavering service, the contributions of volunteers from stations like Brighton serve as a reminder of the organization’s enduring impact on coastal communities.
Their dedication and bravery continue to inspire, ensuring that the RNLI’s legacy of saving lives at sea endures for generations to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
