On Saturday 14 October, RNLI volunteers will lead a flotilla of over 20 dive RIBs inbound on the River Thames as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations for the British Sub-Aqua Club.
Club members from around the country as well as international guests will sail along the River Thames from Erith Yacht Club at 8.30am to Tower Lifeboat Station central London for a cheque presentation.
Gravesend RNLI's Thames Commander Karla Thresher said: “It'll be a real privilege to lead the 20 RIBs inbound before handing over to Tower RNLI's E-Class lifeboat at the Thames Barrier to continue making way.
“It'll be a very unique sight to see so many BSAC RIBs on the Thames, they'll be passing landmarks such as Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The O2 Arena, Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge.”
RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Neil Withers added: “It's a real honour for our charity to be asked to lead this passage to Tower Lifeboat Station, we have a proud partnership with BSAC and hold workshops that aims to refresh existing safety and rescue skills as well as introducing techniques for improving surface location and survival skills for divers in an emergency.”
BSAC’s CEO Mary Tetley, said: “The procession of lifeboats and RIBs up the Thames on Saturday is going to be quite a sight, and a visual reminder that the RNLI has been by our side throughout BSAC’s 70-year history. The RNLI is an organisation dear to BSAC members’ hearts and it will be an honour to pass our donation to the RNLI so you can continue doing great work saving lives at sea.”
Photo credit: Andrew Christy
