In support of RNLI
The Royal Navy’s fleet flagship HMS Ark Royal has made a special visit to Poole, to celebrate its support for the RNLI.
The ship was supporting the charity’s Train one, save many campaign and RNLI representatives were presented with money raised by HMS Ark Royal’s crew.
The famous aircraft carrier met RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews out at sea by Old Harry Rocks.
The RNLI crews were on a training exercise in D-class and B-class lifeboats and a Trent all-weather lifeboat learning pacing techniques, which involve keeping a moving lifeboat at a safe distance alongside other moving craft; a core skill used in rescue operations.
They practiced alongside HMS Ark Royal while a presentation of the funds raised by the ship’s crew was made on board the aircraft carrier to the RNLI’s National Campaigns and Events Manager, Andy Whyte.
Andy said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to carry out our training exercise alongside HMS Ark Royal and feel very privileged that its crew continue to support the RNLI and its Train one, save many campaign.
“I’d especially like to thank the crew for their fundraising efforts and for taking the time to come and visit us in Poole today; it’s been a very special and worthwhile exercise for our volunteer lifeboat crew members.”
Ark Royal was on route from Newcastle, having departed from Northumbria Quay on Monday with more than 100 affiliates on board, including four RNLI volunteer crew members.
Captain of HMS Ark Royal, Capt Mike Mansergh RN said: “The fleet flag ship is a strong advocate of the RNLI’s Train one, save many campaign.
“We welcomed the opportunity to train together with volunteer RNLI lifeboat crews as we passed Poole Harbour on the ship’s return from training in the North Sea, testing the boat handling skills of the brave RNLI coxswains.”
