RNLI crew members praised for 'sacrifice and tireless commitment' as jubilee medals are handed over

Caithness Vice-Lieutenant Willie Watt has paid tribute to the "sacrifice and tireless commitment" shown by those who serve in the RNLI.

He was speaking this week after presenting members of the Wick lifeboat team with commemorative medals created to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

As a token of thanks, 4500 RNLI volunteers and frontline staff are being awarded the Platinum Jubilee medal in recognition of the 65,886 lives the charity has saved during the Queen’s 70-year reign.

When Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, she also became patron of the RNLI – continuing a legacy left by its first patron, King George IV.

The Wick crew members received their medals on Monday night.

Mr Watt said: “It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to present the Platinum Jubilee medals to the crew of the Wick RNLI lifeboat. Whilst none of the crew are in the service for medals, it was very nice to be able to present them with this beautiful accolade as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

"The sacrifice and tireless commitment from both the crew and the RNLI is without equal. I was humbled to have played a small part in recognising this ongoing service which is indeed the envy of the world and locally treasured by seafarers who sail the treacherous waters around our coast.

"Well done – the town is very proud and very grateful for the service provided.”

Lifeboat coxswain Allan Lipp said: “I’d like to personally thank Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of the county, for giving up his own time to come along and issue the Platinum Jubilee medals to the crew of Wick lifeboat.

"As lifeboat crew, RNLI volunteers give up so much time training and committing to our core function of saving lives at sea.

"Only the day before the medals were issued, on Sunday, the crew tasked to a rescue which thankfully had a very good outcome after three paddleboarders were swept out to sea in Sinclair's Bay.

"The weather at the time was 30 knots gusting 38 knots south-easterly, with a moderate to rough sea, and was a real time-critical tasking. Fortunately the casualties made it ashore unaided.

"However, it is a reminder of the dangers our coast brings – while also highlighting the work of our volunteer crew, who dropped what they were doing to put to sea to help others."

Mr Lipp added: "Her Majesty’s recognition of the selfless commitment and dedication to the saving of lives at sea by way of the Platinum Jubilee medal is not the reason why we do what we do. However, I am very proud and grateful that many of the crew have been recognised here in Wick.”

RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "I am delighted to see so many RNLI volunteers and staff being recognised by this prestigious award alongside other frontline members of the emergency services, prison services and the armed forces.

"The Platinum Jubilee medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark royal jubilee celebrations, and this is the fourth medal under Her Majesty’s reign.

"My congratulations and thanks go to all the recipients and our thousands of other volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to deliver our essential lifesaving services."

Wick RNLI Harbour Day returned in June for the first time since before the pandemic and the total amount raised was £12,200.

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