Bangor RNLI volunteer Kyle Marshall celebrates 40 years of service
For forty years Bangor man Kyle Marshall has supported the RNLI as a volunteer.
Growing up in Bangor Kyle spent his teenage years working around the harbour Kyle always had a connection with the RNLI and the local volunteers.
On 27th May, 1983 Kyle joined the crew of Bangor RNLI (County Down) and has been serving our community ever since.
Of course, the charity and the resources have changed significantly since Kyle first joined.
Bangor station started with a D Class that was launched by hand on a trolley, progressing on to an Atlantic 85 and more recently the B Class lifeboat Jessie Hillyard.
Kyle said: “Over the years I have seen many changes within the RNLI charity, most notably how much more effective the investment in training and equipment has become.
“The RNLI crew training is undoubtedly one of the best Search & Rescue training courses in the world, which helps all volunteers save lives at sea’.
Kyle added: ‘My first call out was to a capsized boat just off Brompton in Bangor.
“Three lads in an 18’ skiff had somehow managed to overturn the boat. We were alerted by a member of public who had heard cries for help.
“We launched our D class boat to rescue the crew and casualty boat. It was a very calm still night with a low thick fog when we made our way to the scene.
“At first we couldn’t see or hear anything but when we cut the engine we could hear calls for help.
“We followed the calls and were able to locate and recover the three lads from the water.
“I was on the lifeboat with Brian Meharg and Philip Layburn that evening and will never forget it. In fact, I bumped into one of the persons we rescued recently in Bangor and he vividly recalled his rescue.
“To me the RNLI is a passion.
“The RNLI volunteers are just like family and I have made and maintained many great friendships over the last 40 years in service.
“However, I genuinely believe that I personally have got more from the charity than I have given.”
Well done to Kyle and thank you on behalf of all the seafarers and those rescued on the coast for your 40 years of steadfast service.
Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Forty years of volunteer service is a fantastic achievement for anyone.
“We want to thank and congratulate Kyle for his selfless dedication and contribution that has undoubtedly helped to bring many people to safety.”
