Invergordon lifeboat stalwart ‘shocked’ by MBE honour

A ROSS-SHIRE lifeboat volunteer whose quick thinking has been credited with saving lives admitted he was shocked to have been made an MBE.

William ‘David’ Lipp’s recognition in the King’s New Year Honours list has been warmly welcomed locally and further afield across the charity’s nationwide reach.

David’s achievement comes at a milestone moment for the Invergordon station which this year marked its 50th anniversary.

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An integral part of Invergordon RNLI Lifeboat Station since its inception in 1974, he has held a number of roles, including coxswain between 1981 and 1998 and has been chair of the lifeboat management group since 2004.

When the lifeboat of a drilling rig fell 150ft into the sea with two people on board in 1992, David’s quick thinking made what the charity termed “a lifesaving difference”.

He tasked his crew to use hacksaws to cut one of the casualties free. After months in hospital, the casualty visited the station to thank the crew who saved his life.

David said: ‘It’s not just for me, it’s about the whole RNLI. If I was in my 20s again, I would be volunteering again with this great organisation.

“I was shocked to receive the letter but I’m a great believer in teamwork and that is what this has been about.”

He was amongst seven RNLI volunteers, including lifeboat crew and a community stalwart with 65 years of service, to have been honoured by The King for their incredible contribution to the charity.

RNLI chief executive, Peter Sparkes said: “What a wonderful way to end the RNLI’s 200th anniversary year with recognition for these volunteers from right across the UK.”

He went on: “For a charity to have survived 200 years based on the time and commitment of volunteers – and on the sheer generosity of the public who provide kind donations – is truly remarkable. Good people responded then and have continued to do so for two centuries: men and women showing extraordinary courage, supported by volunteers and donors who hold the RNLI’s values dear.

‘Our volunteers are the heart of our lifesaving service – we couldn’t do what we do without them. My congratulations to these worthy recipients and my sincere thanks to the thousands of others who continue to volunteer their time as we embark on our third century of saving lives at sea.”

RNLI Invergordon said: “We all at Invergordon would like to congratulate David on this well deserved recognition.”

The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.

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