Final bid to save lifeboat base

[rooster]

It's an emotive subject.

Just as a head-up to those who don't know, you can go here and donate online:

http://www.rnli.org.uk/

[big kev]

From my window I can see the lifeboat station - Teesside smog permitting!

I work and dive in this sea area every day, but for once I have to say that this closure is maybe not as grim as it sounds. As the RNLI statement says the area is over provisioned and I can't see that this closure will have any impact - fingers crossed that I'm not proved wrong of course.

Like Lou I hope that this lifeboat gets sent somewhere along our coast where it is needed, there are plenty of places without adequate cover.

I'm always embarassed when I tell friends on the continent that our lifeboats rely on public donations to save lives at sea and their response is along the lines of "that's crazy...you live on an island!" There are links on this site to give donations to the RNLI - I can think of worse ways to spend a few quid.

Take care all,

Kev

[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by big kev

I'm always embarassed when I tell friends on the continent that our lifeboats rely on public donations to save lives at sea and their response is along the lines of "that's crazy...you live on an island!" There are links on this site to give donations to the RNLI - I can think of worse ways to spend a few quid.

Take care all,

Kev

Likewise for me aswell Kev,

I had the pleasure this weekend of having a trip out on a visiting Dutch lifeboat.


Basically , this big 40 knot,18 mt, 30 ton, twin jet drive RhiB was the bo**cks, but i don't think i would like to be in any big seas in it.

However, the Dutch use a totally differnt system to us, thier version of the RNLI are very wise with thier money, this boat cost 1.4 million euros ( a million quid ), they put out to tender to get the best work / deals on everything.

Our Severn class at Dover cost 2.5 million..

[Scuttler]

Andy,

I feel sorry for that radio operator in the picture....the bloody size of that aerial and backpack must be killing his back and I think he'll be needing a longer extension lead to make it back to Holland

[resting rifleman]

I disagree totaly with any move towards taking the rnli out of the volountary role!
can you imagine what it would be like with the likes of bliar and broon calling the shots! ffs, no launches today chaps, much too rough!
the idea has been put forward before, and thrown out on it's ear!
the lifeboat crews do sterling work, the guilds and support network do thier part exceptionaly well, and head office have a firm grip on the tiller!
if it aint broken dont 'fix' it !
mike.