Minehead RNLI lays down the gauntlet in shanty challenge
Minehead's volunteer crew have challenged their flank stations to start a "shanty chain"
Minehead RNLI station has, for years, nurtured great talent within its ranks- A loose collective of sea shanty singers named the "DZ Buoys". Ahead of the 200th anniversary on March 4, this talent has come into the public spotlight.
Earlier this year the Minehead crew assisted crew members from Ilfracombe to mark another momentous event- The 1899 overland launch of Louisa. It was here that the subject of sea shanties emerged, and the dual talents of Ilfracombe and Minehead's crews were aired within an ancient Porlock hostelry. There and then, a gauntlet was laid down.
Lifeboat Helm Richard Gay commented "Like all good ideas, this started in the pub. We wanted to challenge Ilfracombe, and to get a shanty chain going around the whole coast. We hope that all stations will step up and give us a verse".
Minehead's talented Buoys (And girls) have recorded special verses of the ancient shanty "A drop of Nelson's blood", which was made famous within the 2019 film Fisherman's Friends. These verses have special relevance to the station, the 200th anniversary, and they challenge flank stations to follow suit.
Chairman Richard Newton commented "The 200th anniversary is all about celebrating the past whilst looking to the future. Creating a shanty chain across the South West stations and beyond cements and re-affirms the 'One Crew' ethos at the heart of the RNLI"
So far, the Buoys have appeared on BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Somerset, with rumours of a BBC Television appearance soon. Ilfracombe and Burnham-on-Sea are said to be practising their responses and the Minehead volunteer crew await this with bated breath.
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.