The Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship HMS Ark Royal has made a special visit to Poole to celebrate its support for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) Train one, save many campaign. The charity’s representatives were presented with money raised by HMS Ark Royal’s crew on board the ship.

The crew of the famous aircraft carrier took time out of their busy schedule to make the detour to Poole and meet RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews and take part in a out at sea by Old Harry Rocks.

A presentation of the funds raised by the ship’s crew was made on board the aircraft carrier to the RNLI’s National Campaigns and Events Manager, Andy Whyte.

This latest meeting is part of an ongoing commitment by HMS Ark Royal to support the RNLI’s Train one, save many campaign to help fund the vital training for volunteer lifeboat crews. On average, only 1 in 10 of the RNLI’s volunteer crew members have a professional maritime occupation, therefore training is essential in helping them to save lives at sea.

Last summer six RNLI trainers joined HMS Ark Royal for a unique opportunity to exchange training ideas. They spent four days at sea with the ship’s crew mutually sharing world-class training techniques and approaches.

Captain of HMS Ark Royal, Capt Mike Mansergh RN said: ‘HMS Ark Royal greatly values the close link between the RNLI and Royal Navy in the safety of life at sea. The Fleet Flag Ship is a strong advocate of the RNLI’s Train one, save many campaign.’