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Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Week launches with tribute to long-serving volunteer

Lifeboats News Release

Portpatrick’s annual RNLI Lifeboat Week is officially underway, launching in traditional style with the Blessing of the Lifeboat – the Shannon-class Stella and Humfrey Berkeley.

Crowds gathered for blessing of lifeboat

RNLI/Jim Ryder

Blessing of Shannon Class Lifeboat Stella and Humfrey Berkely
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This year’s opening ceremony held extra significance, with a heartfelt moment of recognition for one of Portpatrick’s most dedicated and long-serving RNLI volunteers – Janice McCaig.

A well-known and much-loved face in the village, Janice has been at the heart of Lifeboat Week for nearly three decades. Over her 30 years of volunteering, she has raised thousands of pounds to support the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea.

In recognition of her exceptional service, Janice was presented with the RNLI Excellence in Volunteering Award by Volunteer Coxswain, Andy Ross.

'Janice is the beating heart of Lifeboat Week,' said Andy. 'She has been a tireless champion for the RNLI and an inspiration to all of us who volunteer alongside her. It was my honour to present this award – there is no one more deserving.'

Lifeboat Week continues with a packed programme of fun, family-friendly events, including catch the crab, sandcastle competition, crazy bowls, and much more.

The celebrations will culminate on Saturday 2nd August, with a rescue demonstration featuring the Portpatrick and Stranraer RNLI crews, along with HM Coastguard Portpatrick, followed by the spectacular annual firework display.

For full event details and updates, follow Portpatrick Lifeboat on Facebook.

Notes to Editors

Portpatrick Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1877. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station

Media contacts

Portpatrick Lifeboat Press Officer 07387 272583 / [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].


Presentation of certificate and flowers

RNLI/Jim Ryder

Janice McCaig and Coxswain Andy Ross
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.

About the authors

Martin Macnamara
Regional Communications Lead, Scotland
Natasha Bennett
Regional Communications Manager
Jeanette Hardy
Lifeboat Press Officer, Portpatrick

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