Cowes RNLI has announced that Olivia ‘Libby’ Finch has become the 1st woman to take charge of the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat ‘Sheena Louise’ on rescue operations.
Libby joins the 5 male members at the station qualified to take charge of the ‘Sheena Louise’ on shouts, which will occupy her time alongside working as a fundraiser with the Cowes-based Ellen McArthur Foundation.
Libby said:
“I’ve been a sailor all my life, and was keen to also volunteer with the local lifeboat.
Noting that there were a number of female crew members at the station, she added:
“Perhaps there will come a time when all four crew members responding to a ‘shout’ will be women!”
The station’s Operations Manager, Mark Southwell, has said:
“I was delighted that the assessor told her she was ‘one of the best ever’. Well done Libby! You join a very professional team of helms, and we wish you well in your new role.”
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This is not, however, the only activity-related success for Libby in her life. She has also once played in the England women’s lacrosse team.
