Rescue Drama at Railway Lifeboat Fundraiser.

- Thu 21st Feb 2008

By Ian Edwards with photograph by Carol Carter

Clear blue skies and calm seas were the order of the day on Tuesday 19 February at the Hayling Seaside Railway. When the line’s volunteers joined with their colleagues at Hayling’s Sandy Point Lifeboat Station, to donate the entire day’s takings from the railway’s passenger train service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Uniformed RNLI members many in full life saving kit, rode the line and were on hand throughout the day, to chat to passengers and promote safety at sea. While well filled trains of half-term holidaymakers, many visiting Hayling specifically for the event ensured a donation from the railway of £333.50, towards maintaining the Island’s lifeboat.

A timely reminder of what the day was about came shortly after one that afternoon, when amidst bleeping pagers, the lifeboat’s standby crew hurridly departed to launch their lifesaving craft in ernest.

Hayling RNLI Spokesperson Carol Carter confirms..................

“The Atlantic 75, B Class Lifeboat, “Betty Battle” was launched at 2.15 pm to a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) which was in Hayling Bay with engine failure. When the lifeboat reached the RIB one of the 3 lifeboat crew went on board the casualty vessel, which had 2 adults and 3 children on board, and connected a tow line. The RIB was then towed to safety in Chichester Harbour . The lifeboat then returned to station just after 3pm”.
 
Building on the success of February’s RNLI event, the Hayling Seaside Railway will be holding two further school holiday ‘charity days’ later this year. The first on Tuesday 27 May in aid of Hayling’s own ‘First Responders’ volunteer paramedic team, with a further half term event on Tuesday 28 October for a charitable cause yet to be decided.

By forum user, Hayling Seaside Railway

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