New vessel for maritime charity used for first time at Tall Ships
The newest vessel to appear at Tall Ships Sunderland has passed its initiation ceremony with flying colours after operating for 12 hours per day for the duration of the event.
MVS Northumberland Freemason is the new rigid inflatable boat used by nautical charity the Maritime Volunteer Service to provide support at local riverside based events to harbour authorities, police and coastguard as well as other community based organisations.
The Northumbria Unit of the MVS recently received its new rigid inflatable boat aptly called “Northumberland Freemason” after a £15,000 donation to the MVS from the Freemasons of Northumberland.
During Tall Ships, the boat was used to marshal exclusion zones, general patrolling and ferrying crew members across the Wear including police and coastguards. The MVS Northumbria Unit was supported by members from Humber, Fleetwood and Port of Manchester.
Head of Unit, Volunteer Officer Angela Carrington said, “The vessel performed very well and Tall Ships was an ideal way to introduce her to the north east public. She’s a very manoeuvrable craft making her ideal to train people in seamanship and boat handling skills. We are very grateful to the freemasons for their help and will sail her with pride.”
Due to the interest in the vessel and the number of people who visited the unit’s trade stand, the MVS are looking at recruiting members for a new Sunderland unit. Anyone interested in learning more can contact
Volunteer Officer Angela Carrington angela@mvs-northumbria.org.uk
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Photos show:
- L to R Members Keith Newman Angela Carrington and Alexander Rodgers (dark glasses)
Credit Highlights PR
The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) has 25 active units around the coasts & estuaries of the United Kingdom. The organisation’s aims are to help to keep the UK’s maritime tradition alive by training and delivering practical seamanship and engineering skills. These skills are put to good use in the community at events such as Tall Ships and at times when called upon by the appropriate authorities.