Fowey’s New Hero: Luke Takes the Helm to Save Lives at Sea

Photo Credit: Boris in Fowey’s D class inshore lifeboat – Fowey RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station at Fowey proudly announces the qualification of its newest helm, Luke ‘Boris’ Watts.

On Tuesday, April 9, Luke completed his rigorous training regime, allowing him to take command of the ‘Olive Three’, Fowey’s D class inshore lifeboat.

Journey to the Helm

Luke’s path to becoming a helm began when he joined the Fowey lifeboat station as a volunteer shore crew member in December 2020. His dedication and hard work have seen him advance through roles such as an all-weather and D class crew member, and a navigator. Living and working in Fowey, he is always at the ready; his proximity to the station ensures he can respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice.

Training and Preparation

Luke’s training included a variety of essential skills: boat-handling, search and rescue operations, navigation, radar operation, radio communications, and casualty care. These weekly exercises, often culminating in scenario-based training sessions with the station’s Lead Training Assessors (LTAs), are critical in preparing the crew for real-life rescues. Collaboration with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and sessions at the RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole are also integral to the training process.

Photo Credit: Boris at the helm – Fowey RNLI

The Olive Three at a Glance

The ‘Olive Three’, a D class inshore lifeboat, is designed for quick and efficient rescue operations. Capable of reaching speeds up to 25 knots and with a stamina of 3 hours at sea at full speed, it plays a crucial role in missions involving rough terrain and narrow passages near cliffs, rocks, and inside caves.

A Commitment to Saving Lives

Reflecting on his qualification, Luke expressed both the intense pressure of his final assessments and his relief and satisfaction upon their completion. He is eager to apply his training to real-life situations, aiming to ensure the safety of both his crew and those they rescue.

Words from the Coxswain

Jonathan Pritchard, the Coxswain of Fowey RNLI, commended Luke for his enthusiasm and proactive approach to his duties, which include participating in over 207 afloat training exercises and 54 lifeboat launches, accumulating more than 702 volunteer hours. “Boris has worked very hard to complete his training and I, along with everyone at the station, would like to congratulate him on his achievement as a fully passed out D class helm,” Jonathan said.

Call for Volunteers

The RNLI is a charitable organization that relies on the courage and dedication of volunteers like Luke to carry out its life-saving mission. Those inspired by Luke’s story and interested in volunteering can find more information at www.rnli.org/volunteer.

Luke’s certification as helm is not just a personal milestone but also a significant enhancement to the life-saving capacity of the Fowey RNLI station. His readiness to face the challenges of the sea as the commander of the ‘Olive Three’ reassures the community that their safety is in capable hands.

Photo Credit: Newly qualified D class helm, Luke ‘Boris’ Watts – Fowey RNLI