Aldeburgh RNLI to feature in Saving Lives at Sea World War II special
Aldeburgh RNLI to feature in Saving Lives at Sea World War II special
Lifeboats News Release
As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) marks 200 years of lifesaving, the charity’s lifeboat crews are set to return to the nation’s television screens on Tuesday 12 March in a special episode of popular TV show Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two and iPlayer.
RNLI/Jo Litt
Dermot O'Leary and RNLI mechanic James Cable filming Saving Lives at Sea Second World War special
The episode, commissioned to mark the charity’s 200th anniversary and guest presented by long-time RNLI supporter Dermot O’Leary, will take a closer look at RNLI crews’ involvement in the Second World War.
Viewers will be immersed in this decisive period of history, with Dermot visiting lifeboat stations around the coast uncovering the stories of the pivotal role that the RNLI and its crews played in some of the most important events of the time.
At Aldeburgh station, Dermot found out more about the first RNLI service of the war, the rescue of 74 of the 80 crew members of the steamer SS Magdapur, which struck an electronic mine and began to sink. Dermot met James Cable, Aldeburgh Station Mechanic, learning how the station’s efforts supported the war effort.
Dermot said: ‘As an ambassador for the RNLI and a huge history fan, it was a privilege for me to uncover some of the untold stories that saw ordinary volunteers get involved in some of the most extraordinary events of the Second World War. The brave men and women we heard about left a real impression on me, as did the present-day volunteers I was able to meet along the way, who are still saving lives at sea today.’
James Cable, Aldeburgh station mechanic said: ‘We’re all looking forward to seeing the story of Aldeburgh RNLI during the Second World War brought to life in this special episode. We’re very proud that we played such a key part in this important period of history.’
Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said: ‘As the RNLI marks 200 years of lifesaving, we look forward to seeing this very special episode of Saving Lives at Sea sharing some of our incredible stories from the Second World War. As viewers will see, our lifeboat crews played a remarkable role during the war, with stories of great tragedy and also immense bravery featured in the episode.
‘Over the course of the Second World War, the RNLI saved 6,376 lives. Our lifeboat crews towed vessels loaded with explosives, navigated minefields and rescued downed aircrew from both sides during the Battle of Britain.
‘And today, our selfless volunteers continue to go to the aid of those in peril at sea whoever they are and wherever they are from, just like our lifeboat crews have been doing for 200 years.’
Other stations featured in the episode include Margate, St Peter Port, Cromer, Tynemouth and Penlee. Saving Lives at Sea airs at 9pm on Tuesday 12 March on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Notes to Editors
The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films.
Aldeburgh lifeboat station has been operating since 1826 and has been part of the RNLI since 1852. Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,267 times and saved 693 lives.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Jo Litt, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or at [email protected]
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.
