RNLI thanks Cornish community after Storm Eunice ripped lifeboat station roof off
The charity is trying to raise ÂŁ100,000 towards the repairs
The RNLI is thanking the community of Cornwall after Storm Eunice ripped the roof off a lifeboat station.
Gales of up to 100mph swept across Cornwall during the rare red weather warning last Friday (18th February).
The building suffered severe damage and the metal roof cladding blew right off.
Fortunately nobody was injured, and the station was evacuated and the lifeboat put on restricted service.
The RNLI’s estates team worked hard with station volunteers to enable both Tamar and D class lifeboats to go back on service on Saturday afternoon, in time for the half term break.
As the clear-up continues, the RNLI is launching an appeal to help fund some of the repair work required to keep its volunteers safe and the lifeboats on service.
The charity aims to raise ÂŁ100,000 towards the cost of repairing the roof of the Sennen Cove lifeboat station.
Ollie George, station coxswain at Sennen Cove RNLI, said: "Our lifeboat station has stood through many storms over the years being in such an exposed location on the Cornish coast. On Friday, I was inside the building at the time with my dad (Deputy Launch Authority Terry) and we couldn’t believe the roof had been blown off in a matter of seconds, it just goes to show how powerful the winds were during the storm and we are so thankful that no one was hurt.
"In the aftermath, the response from the local community has been amazing, from the offers of help physically, to those offering support to raise money, and the staff within the RNLI working hard to get us back on service. The warmth and support we’ve received has been overwhelming and we are so grateful for everyone’s support during this time."
This week a small tower of scaffold has been put up so the roof can be assessed thoroughly, when it has been safe to do so.
Inspections are taking place this week to determine the best course of action to replace the roof as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.
The RNLI has launched a ÂŁ100,000 fundraising appeal to help raise money towards repairs to the roof, through donations and fundraising events.
Dickon Berriman, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, explained: "The full extent of the damage is still being assessed and it will take time to get a clearer idea of how much the repairs will cost. We remain committed to providing a functioning boathouse for our volunteers and staff to keep them safe and keep our lifeboats on service.
"The positivity and can-do attitude from all the volunteers at Sennen Cove lifeboat station has been inspiring and we continue to work hard to reinstate their lifesaving facilities as soon as we can.
"We have received so many kind offers of support so have launched an appeal to allow people to donate and fundraise specifically towards the roof repairs."
If you’d like to help Sennen Cove RNLI through their storm repairs you can visit their fundraiser here.