A LIFEBOAT volunteer has handed in his pager and wellies after more than 20 years of service.
Steve Smith has saved hundreds of lives during his 21 years at Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Station.
The dedicated serviceman joined the all-weather lifeboat crew in 2000 and quickly progressed to become an inshore helmsman qualified to drive and take command of the boat in 2001.
He became the lifeboat coxswain in 2012 and he has served nine years as the last volunteer coxswain at the station.
Steve said: “The RNLI has been a huge part of my life for the last 21 years and I feel honoured and privileged to be involved.
“I have made great memories over the years and have served with dedicated volunteers.
“I couldn’t have done any of it, particular my role as coxswain without the support of the lifeboat crew and my family.
"It has been a team effort and I will miss it greatly.”
Steve said one of his first and most memorable shouts was to attend the floods of Lewes and Uckfield in 2000, when the lifeboat crews spent 16 hours with the inshore lifeboat rescuing residents, traders and pets form their flooded homes and businesses.
He was also involved in the rescue of the yacht Crazy H, which was in a mid-channel collision with a beam trawler in August 2011.
During heavy rain and a force six wind blowing, the yacht with six people on board had suffered major damage.
Steve and another crew member launched the inflatable boat from the station’s new £2 million all weather lifeboat and went alongside the yacht.
They cut the rigging and mast away while a tow rope was attached from the lifeboat and they stayed on board the vessel administering first aid to a woman on the boat who had fractured her wrist.
Steve was awarded a framed letter of thanks from the RNLI Chairman for his actions during the "hazardous and challenging" incident.
He was thanked for his determination, courage and seamanship which were said to be of “the highest order during the long and arduous service".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel