Volunteers lifeboat crews from the island’s five stations were responsible for saving four lives in 2024, figures released by the charity shows.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has released its rescue figures for 2024, which show that the stations were called out 40 times across the year.
Across the British Isles the charity’s lifeboats were launched over 9,100 times in 2024, making it the fourth-busiest year in the charity’s 201-year history.
On the Isle of Man, the RNLI said its lifeboats were “busier than ever” and both launch figures and the number of people aided increased from the previous year.
In 2023 Isle of Man lifeboats launched 31 times with an increase to 40 in 2024, the previous year saw two lives saved, which doubled to four last year, three of which were by the Port Erin station.
The number of people aided also rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.
Increase
Douglas and Port St Mary lifeboats had the most launches, and each of the island’s lifeboat stations had an increase on their launches figure from the previous year.
Over 75% of the total lifeboat launches were within five nautical miles or less of the shore, and the majority of these shouts involved power boats, sailing vessels or manual watercraft – such as paddleboards/kayaks.
Fundraising
Throughout the month of May, the RNLI celebrates the work of its volunteers and launches its big fundraising push, the Mayday Mile.
Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond.
There are a number of Mayday events happening across the island that people can support.
Later this month on Sunday April 27, Douglas RNLI are hosting their hugely popular Tower of Refuge Walk and a Fish Supper at The Welbeck Hotel on Friday May 2.
Ramsey RNLI will be hosting a Mayday Open Garden event at Ballathor on Sunday May 18.
Peel RNLI are hosting Mine’s a Shanty’ Choir event on May 8, as well as a Crew Car Wash on Sunday May 18.
Community
Dani Beckett, RNLI Community Manager said: “‘Usually it’s our crew heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help.
“Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.
“It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes.
“We’re now heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today, and allow us to be there when we’re needed most.”
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