5 September 2024
A 2,000-plus miles, 30th anniversary coastal station-to-station relay has been hailed as an exceptional success by maritime safety charity National Coastwatch Institution (NCI).
The specially commissioned anniversary flag set off from NCI Fleetwood on 3 June during Volunteers Week and has travelled to each of its 60 stations throughout the summer, finishing at NCI Filey on 30 August. Volunteer watchkeepers, their families and local communities have joined together in a series of celebrations at each station before using innovative ways to transport the flag to the next destination.
“The flag relay has truly been a remarkable part of our 30th anniversary celebrations. In fact, it has been exceptional and exceeded all our expectations,” said David Crozier, NCI’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Our amazing volunteers really did pull out all the stops and it’s been heartwarming to see the creativity, ingenuity and fun they have created in their communities along the way,” he added.
Sirius Insight, a leading technology company using AI (artificial intelligence) to transform safety and security at sea, sponsored the flag relay and is providing support for NCI’s 30th anniversary.
At each station, the volunteer watchkeepers found innovative ways to pass the 5ft x 3ft flag on to the waiting crews at their neighbouring station. The flag’s journey has been followed on NCI’s Facebook page and has included multiple community events as well as a circus performance. The flag has been transported in many ways, including on foot, kayak, bicycle, cable car, horseback, light aircraft, steam trains, RNLI lifeboats, Police RHIBs and convoys of classic vehicles.
Stephen Hand, NCI Chair said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers. They have all surpassed themselves and organised extraordinary things that have really helped to put the spotlight on our work to help save lives as part of the UK’s maritime search and rescue community. I would also like to thank our sponsors, Sirius Insight for its generosity and ongoing support.
“The events have also provided opportunities for raising vital funds as we rely totally on the generosity of supporters. It’s been a great pleasure to see so many flag relay events that have brought our emergency services partners and local communities together,” he said.
The flag is now at Trinity House in London where it will be installed for the duration of the NCI’s 30th anniversary year. A special reception will be held at Trinity House on 17 September attended by HRH The Princess Royal who is Royal patron of NCI.
Trinity House is a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community.
To support NCI: National Coastwatch needs your support to continue its life saving work - JustGiving