A dedicated lifeboat volunteer has been recognised for his commitment and long service by being presented with a deserved award.

For 25 years Captain Richard Musgrove was a pilot for Associated British Ports (ABP) at Lowestoft and during all that time he was also a lifeboat Deputy Launching Authority (DLA).

He was responsible, as part of a small team, for liaising with HM Coastguard to approve the launch of the lifeboat to distress calls. During this time he also served as the station operations manager for a number of years.

Mr Musgrove, now a Marine Manager for ABP, was presented with an award for his long service to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) by the current Lifeboat Operations Manager Paul Carter at a ceremony, which was attended by Paul Brooks, ABP Lowestoft Port Manager.

Looking back over his time with the lifeboat, Mr Musgrove recalls authorising the launch of the lifeboat to several significant rescues.

He said: 'One of the calls that sticks in my mind was to a 10-metre recreational dive boat in trouble.

'Four people were trapped in the wheelhouse as the boat sunk at the stern but they managed to escape through the wheelhouse window. The lifeboat crew safely rescued all 11 people who had been on board from the water.

'It was an absolutely brilliant rescue.'

Mr Musgrove said that he has also helped in submitting the bid for the town's current RNLI lifeboat, Patsy Knight.

He said: 'One of my duties whilst I was the Operations Manager was to write the bid for the Shannon Class lifeboat. I like to think that the success of that bid helped to secure the future of the station.'

Reflecting on his time with the lifeboat crew, Mr Musgrove added: 'I miss the crew and the support team. They are a great bunch of people who I have been happy to support and help to do their valuable work.'

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