SIXFOOTSTEVE
Well-known member
Here\'s a copy of the E mail I just recieved...
Dear Mr Moore
Thank you for your email regarding the closure of Teesmouth Lifeboat Station and detailing the background to North East Sea Angling and your fund raising efforts on behalf of the RNLI.
The decision to close the lifeboat station was taken following extensive and careful consideration of all the facts, including consultation with the lifeboat stations in the area. It was based on sound operational reasons, in this case an over-provision of lifeboat cover in the area.
PD Teesport\'s generous offer to provide a berth, in some years, is not guaranteed and in any event we already have suitable facilities at Hartlepool and therefore there is no need to wait a further 3-5 years without the certainty of a new berth at Teesmouth.
Although the Teesmouth crew building was completed in 2004 at a cost of £360,000, the process started in 1999. Since then faster lifeboats have been introduced and this has led us to re -evaluate lifeboat cover in the Tees Bay area. We are currently considering ways in which the building could still be of benefit to the Institution.
The RNLI has always adjusted lifeboat cover, around the coast, to meet operational demands. I am confident that the remaining lifeboats along this stretch of coast will continue to meet the RNLI\'s performance standards. With regard to opening new stations then if an operational requirement is identified elsewhere on the coast then this will be considered.
I understand why the decision to close Teesmouth, a station with a long and distinguished history, is being opposed but I can assure you that the RNLI is totally committed to saving lives at sea and this decision would not have been taken if we felt it would put lives at sea at greater risk. We are equally committed to our volunteer crew and supporters without whom the RNLI could not exist.
Thank you for writing and for the support North East Sea Angling has provided to the north east lifeboat stations over the past four years. This support has been very much appreciated and I hope you feel that you can continue to support the volunteer work carried out by lifeboat crew.
Michael Vlasto OBE FRIN FNI
Operations Director
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Email: [email protected]
Dear Mr Moore
Thank you for your email regarding the closure of Teesmouth Lifeboat Station and detailing the background to North East Sea Angling and your fund raising efforts on behalf of the RNLI.
The decision to close the lifeboat station was taken following extensive and careful consideration of all the facts, including consultation with the lifeboat stations in the area. It was based on sound operational reasons, in this case an over-provision of lifeboat cover in the area.
PD Teesport\'s generous offer to provide a berth, in some years, is not guaranteed and in any event we already have suitable facilities at Hartlepool and therefore there is no need to wait a further 3-5 years without the certainty of a new berth at Teesmouth.
Although the Teesmouth crew building was completed in 2004 at a cost of £360,000, the process started in 1999. Since then faster lifeboats have been introduced and this has led us to re -evaluate lifeboat cover in the Tees Bay area. We are currently considering ways in which the building could still be of benefit to the Institution.
The RNLI has always adjusted lifeboat cover, around the coast, to meet operational demands. I am confident that the remaining lifeboats along this stretch of coast will continue to meet the RNLI\'s performance standards. With regard to opening new stations then if an operational requirement is identified elsewhere on the coast then this will be considered.
I understand why the decision to close Teesmouth, a station with a long and distinguished history, is being opposed but I can assure you that the RNLI is totally committed to saving lives at sea and this decision would not have been taken if we felt it would put lives at sea at greater risk. We are equally committed to our volunteer crew and supporters without whom the RNLI could not exist.
Thank you for writing and for the support North East Sea Angling has provided to the north east lifeboat stations over the past four years. This support has been very much appreciated and I hope you feel that you can continue to support the volunteer work carried out by lifeboat crew.
Michael Vlasto OBE FRIN FNI
Operations Director
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Email: [email protected]
