Special blessing of the fleet to mark 200 years of the RNLI

Lifeboats from across East and South Devon came together in Brixham for an historic blessing of the fleet to mark 200 years of the RNLI.

Lifeboats from across East and South Devon lined up in Brixham harbour on Sunday morning to be blessed. The historic Blessing of the Fleet involved all RNLI lifeboats from five stations from Exmouth to Salcombe.

The fleet gathered off Berry Head and sailed to Torbay Lifeboats’ berth in Brixham Harbour where this special blessing took place. 

On Monday there will be a service at Brixham’s All Saints church at 6.45pm. Current and former RNLI volunteers from Torbay have been invited to attend with their families.. There will be three minutes of bell ringing in churches in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. Schools, choirs and musicians have also been invited to take part and contribute musical performances, artwork and give readings.

This weekends events was the first of several to commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Torbay RNLI, under the leadership of coxswain Richard Fowler, organised the events. Their aim is to reflect on the history of the institution and to encourage new lifesavers and supporters to become involved.