Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew member Oliver Rogers has recently passed out as helm of the Northern Ireland station’s inshore lifeboat, Blue Peter V, and has become the third generation of his family to take charge of the lifeboat.
Oliver’s grandfather Dessie joined Portaferry RNLI as a volunteer back in 1980 when the first lifeboat arrived after the closure of Cloughey Station.
In 1982 he was presented with the RNLI’s Bronze medal as well as a Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for his part in the Jane’s Rock Rescue, which saw two survivors located and brought to safety in very high seas.
Dessie was already a lifeboat helm at Portaferry station and part of the crew who welcomed the first Blue Peter V lifeboat, and was there when she launched for the first time in Portaferry.
Oliver’s dad Simon joined Portaferry RNLI as a volunteer and at the age of 28 passed out as helm of the station’s inshore lifeboat.
Oliver’s grandfather Dessie Rogers joined Portaferry RNLI as a volunteer back in 1980
In 2006, Simon was also awarded Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for his part in the rescue of the only survivor when the Greenhill, a fishing vessel, sank. This rescue is documented as happening in the dark, on a cold night, in atrocious conditions.
After a brief time away from the station, Simon rejoined and continues to volunteer as crew of the Blue Peter V today.
Oliver joined Portaferry RNLI on the day of his 17th birthday, and now aged 26 is delighted to pass out as helm.
“I’m very proud to not only follow my dad and grandfather as a crew member at Portaferry RNLI, but it has also been a personal goal for me to take charge of our current lifeboat, Blue Peter V, as helm,” Oliver says.
“Our current lifeboat will probably be replaced in a few years’ time and I knew taking charge of this particular lifeboat was going to be a special achievement for me as both my dad and grandfather had acted as helm of Blue Peter V before me.”
Portaferry RNLI lifeboat operations manager Heather Kennedy added: “Oliver worked hard to achieve his helm pass-out and has already taken responsibility of the lifeboat and crew when seven divers were brought to safety recently. We welcome him as he settles in to his new role.”
