Mayor thanks HM Coastguard for two centuries of service
Mon, January 17, 2022
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough has thanked HM Coastguard as the organisation celebrates its 200th anniversary.
Councillor Richard Holmes met with local representatives at The Giant’s Causeway on Saturday 15th January where a throwline was cast into the water as a symbol of the service’s dedication, past and present. The gesture was replicated in other parts of the UK to mark the milestone occasion.
Paying tribute to local personnel, Councillor Holmes said: “We are immensely grateful for the services of HM Coastguard in the Borough and all our current and former members should be rightly proud of the part they play in the organisation’s distinguished and fascinating history.
“The Coastguard carries out incredibly important work keeping our expansive coastline safe, and this anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the bravery, hard work and diligence it represents.
“In Causeway Coast and Glens, we are fortunate to have two highly skilled teams based in Ballycastle and Coleraine who are ready to respond to all types of emergencies when they arise. Throughout the years, they have saved countless lives as they come to the aid of those in need, and we should never take this for granted.
“On behalf of the entire Borough, I want to offer my congratulations on this special anniversary and express my thanks to everyone connected with our local teams for the exceptional service they provide to all of us.”
One of the UK’s four frontline emergency services, HM Coastguard’s operates a 24/7, 365 day-a-year search and rescue service to save lives at the coast and at sea.
Since its launch in 1822, HM Coastguard has gone from strength to strength, with operations centres coordinating responses to emergency situations and international rescues, calling upon approximately 310 Rescue Teams made up of around 3000 dedicated volunteers and 10 search and rescue helicopters.
To find out for about volunteering for HM Coastguard visit www.gov.uk/volunteer-as-a-coastguard.
To contact the Coastguard in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
