Eddie Burt retired in
October 2007 after 23 years of service. Eddie was the fourth
generation of his family to join the RNLI when he signed up at the age of
17. He's now taking time out to spend more time with his family.
He said:
"I grew up
in the harbour and the RNLI was a family thing going back to my great
granddad who was involved in the lifeboat when it went from the slip in
Pentire.
"My granddad and uncle were also involved, my dad has just retired after 40
years and my brother is still in it. it was natural for me to join
and I couldn't wait."
Pic (L-R) Chris Price, John
Bawden, Eddie Burt
© Phil@cornwall-photos.com
Eddie progressed
through the ranks to senior helmsman.
Eddie says:
" I am going
to miss it. It took me a while to make my mind up but it is time to pursue
my other interests."
Eddie has many
memories of his years in the lifeboat from representing the Newquay station
at the opening of the multi-million pound Lifeboat College, to going out on
shouts in extreme conditions.
He said: "I've got
good memories as well as some sad ones. I've had two awards for different
rescues. We once received an award from the RSPCA after rescuing a sheep
stuck on a cliff ledge. The sheep ended up in the water and we lassoed it
and rescued it."
Another memory of
Eddie's was when an abandoned speedboat was stuck on full throttle half a
mile off Fistral beach in the middle of summer.
The boat was veering
off in different directions and the RNLI were concerned it would go on to
the beach. The lifeboat went out and crew members tried to secure the craft
but could not get hold of it. In the end, Eddie did
a "James Bond style leap" and brought the boat back under control.
Another of Eddie's
skills was always managing to be available when there were photographers or
TV cameras around, he's probably the most photographed crew member last
year!
