Arbroath RNLI is a crew in crisis after a host of departures linked to the row about the town’s replacement lifeboat.
The charity has sacked more crewmen following the dismissal of operations manager Alex Smith this week after 22 years of volunteering.
And we can reveal a number of long-serving personnel have left the service in disgust over the controversy surrounding the decision to downgrade the 220-year-old Angus station.
The exact number of departures – forced or voluntary – has not been officially confirmed by the organisation.
But it is believed to be close to double figures. RNLI chiefs say the station remains operational following the departures.
Winchman’s fury
Station winch operator Steve Findlay handed his pager back on Tuesday night – minutes after a call from a senior Scottish RNLI figure to stand him down.
Mr Findlay has been a crew member for almost 20 years.
He previously spoke out when the town’s replacement Atlantic 85 high-speed rigid inflatable arrived in Arbroath for trials a fortnight ago.
“RNLI HQ in Perth called and said they wanted to talk to me about speaking in the media,” said Mr Findlay.
“I knew what was coming.
“I stopped him before he could say any more and told them I would going to the station to hand in my pager, key and equipment.
“I never even gave them the chance to sack me.”
He added: “I stand by everything I said about the Atlantic not being the right boat for Arbroath.
“But is seems that anyone who speaks out about how the RNLI have gone about this is going to be dealt with in the same way.”
Decades of dedicated service lost
The Courier understands the other departures include a deputy coxswain of more than 30 years’ service, launch authority and a figure who worked as both a volunteer and RNLI staff member over three decades.
Mr Findlay added: “We are a band of brothers and quite a few have said that it’s time up for them.
“It’s a sad day for me and everyone associated with the lifeboat in Arbroath.
“I retired from the prison service in 2005 and joined the crew so it’s been a big part of my life.
“It’s been great to be part of it and sad to see what has happened since this announcement was made.
“We all wanted to do our bit for the RNLI so this will leave a void.
“I just don’t think the RNLI have fully realised the strength of feeling in Arbroath.
“This decision really upset the community and I think they have handled the whole thing very badly.
“I really don’t know how it will end, but it’s not good.”
On Monday, RNLI Scotland chief Jill Hepburn travelled to Arbroath to dismiss long-serving town operations manager Alex Smith.
That resulted from what the organisation branded a “breakdown of trust” between the parties.
Former fisherman Mr Smith, 68, who has worked in the North Sea off Arbroath for more than 50 years said he was “devastated, but not surprised.”
Station remains on-service
But the lifesaving charity has declined to disclose the total number of volunteers who have now left the crew.
An RNLI spokesperson said: “A small number of volunteers from Arbroath lifeboat station have now been stood down, and regrettably, a few have decided to end their volunteer agreement with the RNLI.
“As this is a personnel issue, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case.”
However, the organisation stressed the station remains fully operational.
“As yet, no replacement operations manager has been appointed,” the spokesperson added.
“The lifeboat remains on-service, ready to respond thanks to the service and dedication of the volunteer team in Arbroath.”
