The Royal National Lifeboat Institution marks 200th anniversary

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is celebrating saving 146,277 lives as it marks its 200th anniversary.

A service of thanksgiving is being held on Monday at Westminster Abbey with representatives from the charity from across the UK and Ireland attending.

In total, 146,277 lives have been saved by the RNLI – an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years.

One measure of the mettle of those so many owe their lives to is, by way of example, Whitby’s lifeboat station. Over the years it and its volunteer crews have received medals for gallantry some 36 times, each of which representing the most remarkable feats of courage and selflessness needed on board a lifeboat.

Video credits to the RNLI