Bangor RNLI has paid tribute to its dedicated lifeboat volunteers after what’s hoped to be its final callout of 2018.
Just after 6.30am this morning (Monday 31 December) the lifeboat was called to assist in the rescue of a vulnerable woman in the water off Carrickfergus.
The inshore lifeboat Jessie Hillyard was stood down after the woman was assisted by land-based rescue services, but according to the Bangor RNLI Facebook page, even this callout illustrated the dedication of its crew.
“Every time the pagers go off, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, our dedicated volunteers drop everything to launch the lifeboat with the aim of saving lives at sea.
“This morning, 16 volunteers turned up at the lifeboat station to help, and while only four were needed to crew the boat, the others stayed around to clean the boat on her return.
“Please raise a glass to them tonight, for everything they do to keep the waters and shore around us safer.
“Please also toast our wonderful fundraising team who work so hard to raise the vital funds we need to provide this service.
“And, thanks to everyone who has contributed their hard-earned money to the RNLI this year — we really do appreciate it.
“Finally, please remember that this is a difficult time of year for many people, and that lives can be saved with a friendly word or a smile.”
