A couple from Ryde are celebrating this evening (Thursday) after a rather unique engagement, thanks to the efforts of fellow lifeboat crew members and staff on board the Wightlink ferry.
Michael Singer enlisted the help of his life-saving colleagues at Ryde Inshore Rescue to organise a proposal to remember for his girlfriend, Dominique Singleton. Dominique also happens to be a crew member on the Appley-based lifeboat.
Ryde Rescue 1 lifeboat crept up beside Wightlink’s Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry at just gone 17:00 this afternoon and once Dominique had been summoned to the ship’s bridge, a large banner was unveiled reading ‘Will you marry me? Dominique’.
Thankfully she said yes to the marriage proposal via the on board marine radio, making the tremendous effort very worth while.
Captain Sam Mitchell of Wightlink’s St Clare has said:
“We were very happy to play a small part in this very happy event. Ryde Inshore Rescue are our ‘local’ lifesavers and mean a lot to us. We always like to support them when we can.”
Chair of Ryde Inshore Rescue, Ady Farrell explains:
“Dominique and Michael met through volunteering at Ryde Inshore Rescue. For us, this was Operation Shush. Everyone knew what Michael was planning but we all had to keep it a secret. From the look on her face, it’s clear she had no idea this was going to happen. We are all delighted.”
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Speaking about the surprise engagement, Dominique has said:
“Yes, this happened and I am still shaking, in total shock! Who would have thought by joining Ryde Inshore Rescue I’d meet my future husband? All the effort my lifeboat family and Wightlink put in today was beyond what I’d ever imagined, I’m forever grateful to every single one of you.
“Thank you so so much. I’m the luckiest person in the world right now. Michael Singer, I love you.”
