Earlier this week, RNLI representatives around Ireland and the UK participated in a special photo moment — One Moment for One Crew — to create a photographic record of those involved with the lifesaving charity in this, its 200th anniversary year.
The charity, which was founded in 1824, asked its volunteers and staff to take a photo of themselves, their crew or their team, at as close to 18:24 on 1/8/24 (Thursday 1 August) as possible.
Whether lifeguards on a beach, lifeboat crew at a station, fundraisers at an event, volunteers in a museum, or boat-builders manufacturing lifeboats, all involved with the charity have been encouraged to submit a photo of themselves representing their RNLI role at wherever they may be on this date and time.
Aran Islands RNLI crew and shop volunteers | Credit: RNLI/Treasa Ní Bhraonáin
In Co Galway, the crews from Aran Islands, Clifden and Galway lifeboat stations marked the moment.
Rob King, area operations manager for the RNLI in the West, who is based in Clifden, said: “The RNLI’s story is one of courage, but thanks to all the supporters, it’s also a story of kindness.”
He added: “Last year, the crews from the three lifeboat stations in Co Galway launched 98 times in 2023 and aided 92 people.”
Lough Derg RNLI poses for the camera on Thursday evening | Credit: RNLI/Gerardine Wisdom
At Lough Derg, RNLI volunteers and family members participated in a special photo moment to mark not only the RNLI’s 200th anniversary but also their station’s own 20 years of service this year.
Brendan Rooney and Emmy Torrens represent Newcastle RNLI | Credit: RNLI/Kenny Gracey
In Northern Ireland, Newcastle RNLI’s longest serving volunteer Brendan Rogers was joined by one of its newest, former lifeguard and now inshore lifeboat crew Emmy Torrens for their station’s photo contribution.
And the volunteers of Bangor RNLI took the opportunity to present fellow volunteer Captain David Eccles MBE a framed picture of the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat to recognise the recent investiture of his MBE at Buckingham Palace for services to fisheries.
Captain David Eccles MBE receives a framed picture of the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat from his fellow crew at Bangor RNLI | Credit: RNLI/Tom Bell
Portrush and Wexford RNLI also feature in this selection of images from One Moment for One Crew. All photos have been uploaded to an online portal and will be used to create a montage image.
The initiative comes as a special RNLI scroll is to be carried around Ireland to reinforce the institution’s founder’s pledge to save lives without judgement, as previously reported on Afloat.ie.
