Broughty Ferry Lifeboat

A lovely bright sunny day. Down in Broughty Ferry I decided to Blip the Lifeboat. Thankfully, it was sitting quietly at its berth, which meant no one was in trouble.

River Tay lifeboats have been going to the aid of shipwrecked and distressed seafarers in and around the river since 1830, their volunteer crews regularly facing extreme danger, some even paying for their dedication with their lives. And this remarkable lifesaving tradition continues with today’s Broughty Ferry lifeboat volunteers, men and women from all walks of life who are on call 24/7, often in the very worst weather, ever ready to answer the call for help.

The boat in my Blip is a Trent class lifeboat designed to lie afloat, either at deep-water moorings or at a berth. Introduced in 1994, it shares the same hull shape as the Severn class but is a smaller version. The sheerline sweeps down for ease of survivor recovery. As with the Severn, its propellers are protected so it can take ground without damage.

There have been 12 'shouts' this year, which is an average of 2 per month.

I decided to write a poem in honour of the boat and its crew:

The Lifeboat

Sitting silently, all prepared, waiting for the call,
Crew scattered, everywhere, waiting for the call.

Not often in action, which is good,
Idle is best, means everyone safe.

The call comes, action stations, blur of activity,
Out they go, braving the seas, risking their lives.

Many lives are saved, great relief,
Those who waited, quietly weep.

Keep safe if you are out on the water this summer.