Dunmore East RNLI marks 200th year with appointment of new station mechanic

David joined Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat station as a volunteer in 2013, and in a very short time, he proved himself to be an invaluable part of the team. His career progression from Volunteer Crew Member to Volunteer Mechanic & Navigator, and most recently to Trainee Coxswain, reflects the development of skills in technical maintenance, operational readiness, and team leadership. His career outside of the RNLI, working as a General Operative at Dunmore East Harbour since 2017, further developed his skills in maintenance and safety management within the harbour, making him an invaluable member of the RNLI team.

David’s contributions to the RNLI and the maritime community of Dunmore East are noteworthy. His involvement in the Lily B rescue in 2020, which managed to save nine lives and prevent the 100-metre coal ship, from going aground at Hook Head, was recognised with a Medal Service Certificate for Gallantry. This act of bravery shows the spirit, dedication and experience David brings to his new role as Station Mechanic.

Marking the 200th anniversary of the RNLI, David said on taking up his new appointment, ‘It's an honour to take on the role of Station Mechanic, even more so in the year when the RNLI marks such an important event. My life has always been linked to the sea and I'm proud to apply the skills I've developed as an RNLI volunteer to my new full-time role. I am committed to providing complete support to our crew, ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to carry out their duties safely and effectively.’

The Dunmore East RNLI crew are delighted to have their colleague and friend promoted to such an important position and wishes David Murray well in his new role. As we celebrate the charity’s bicentennial year, David's journey from that of a committed volunteer to taking on the full-time professional role within the RNLI proves to be an inspiring one and clearly demonstrates just how much scope there exists for the individual to develop, both on a personal level and professionally, within the institution.

In 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Peter Grogan, Dunmore East RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 087 1254 124 or [email protected] or Tom McGuire, Regional Communications Manager on 0874764436 or email [email protected]

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.

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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.