Tobermory RNLI second mechanic receives 30 year long service medal

Creon joined Tobermory RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crew in February 1991 just after the station had re-opened following its closure in 1947 and subsequently became second mechanic in 1995. Since joining, Creon has served on the Arun and Severn class lifeboats which have been stationed at Tobermory as well as taking part in nearly 400 rescues during which he has assisted 386 people and saved ten lives. Due to the current situation, Creon received his 30 year long service medal through the post but a celebration is planned once it is possible to do so. The medal features the RNLI's founder, Sir William Hillary, on the front of the medal and the charity's motto 'With courage, nothing is impossible' on the reverse.

As well as serving for more than three decades at Tobermory, Creon also provides relief mechanic cover at stations around the UK and Ireland helping to keep lifeboats on service 24/7 from Kirkwall in the north, Falmouth in the south, Harwich in the east and Barra in the west.

Tobermory RNLI's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Dr Sam Jones said: 'Creon is an absolute stalwart of the station. He has not only trained new mechanics, mentored crew and kept our lifeboats ready for service, but he is also is a fount of knowledge about the lifeboat and the sea. He is totally unflappable in any situation, however challenging it might be. He has selflessly devoted more than three decades of his life to going to help others in distress and so this long service medal is very well deserved. All of us at the station congratulate Creon on this magnificent achievement and we look forward to celebrating it properly once it is safe for us to do so.'

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact

Dr Sam Jones, Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07747601900 or [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, Regional Media Officer (Scotland), 07920 365929 or [email protected]

Gemma McDonald, Regional Media Manager (Scotland), 07826 900639 or [email protected]

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. 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.

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