The RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes starred in a national television programme on ITV last night (Monday).
Countrywise aired at 20:00 with presenter Paul Heiney visiting the center on the banks of the River Medina, where staff gave him a very warm welcome and he was taken on a tour of the facility.
Paul met a number of staff including Scott Armiger, a volunteer helm with Cowes RNLI lifeboat; Gary Payne, who has worked at the center for 20 years; John Urry; Richard Plumley and Glyn Ellis.
On site there were around 30 lifeboats, including refits and new builds of Atlantic 75s, 85s and D class inflatables. The show followed the production line and saw the boats being built, fitted out and tested.
Later in the programme the team craned the Atlantic 85 Inshore Lifeboat ‘Tabby Cat‘ – Cowes RNLI’s former lifeboat – into the water. Accompanied by a safety boat and fully kitted up, Paul Heiney took his seat in the Atlantic 85 and left the marina travelling out into the Solent to take the boat for a sea trial.
You can catch up on ITV player at https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/countrywise/series-7/episode-39.
