Pic thanks to RNLI/Hallmark Broadcast
London’s RNLI rescue station has been moved for the last time, after 16 years in operation.
While the station has become unfit for purpose, it’s not the end for the crew at Tower Bridge.
They’ll be continuing their great work from HMS President, before a new station launches in April.
The team has launched the lifeboat from Tower Bridge more than 9,545 times – and saved 355 lives along the Thames since 2002. Last year alone the station had 750 call outs.
While it will no longer be operational, the station will be used by the Thames Marine Services as one of its six electrical charging facilities.
The lifeboat crew moved to reassure people that they can still call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if anyone gets into trouble along the Thames.
The station was created in wake of the 1989 tragedy on the pleasure boat Marchioness in 1989 in which 51 people died.
Following an enquiry, the rescue service was created, and maintained with donations, including £3.5m from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officer’s Association.
The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
