Douglas Lifeboat Station said it is “deeply grateful” after it was awarded Freedom of the City by Douglas Council.
The highest honour the authority can bestow, it was awarded in recognition of the charity’s outstanding service and commitment to saving lives at sea.
This accolade follows the RNLI’s bicentenary commemorations and places it among an esteemed list of recipients, including Sir Winston Churchill, the Bee Gees, and Sir Mark Cavendish.
The RNLI can trace its roots back to Douglas where its founder Sir William Hillary witnessed several shipwrecks off the Manx coast while living in the island’s capital, participating in several rescues himself.
Douglas is extremely proud of its RNLI crew and wider support team and this award reflects our deep gratitude, commemorating all who have gone before, celebrating the lifesavers of today, and hopefully inspiring the next generation who have pledged to continue lifesaving for years to come.
Douglas Council
Peter Cain, President of Douglas RNLI, said: “On behalf of everyone associated with the lifeboat station, I would like to say how proud we are to be honoured in this way.
“Douglas City Council have always been supportive of the RNLI, and this recognition means a great deal to all those who work tirelessly to keep our coastlines safe, 24/7.”
We’re not sure if it means the RNLI is now free to drive sheep across the Millennium Bridge, but we hope so.
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