To mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI a special episode featuring Penlee Lifeboat Station will air on the BBC next week – and it’s presented by a well-known TV personality.   

‘Saving Lives at Sea’ will air on BBC Two and iPlayer on March 12 and is presented by longtime RNLI supporter and TV presenter Dermot O’Leary. 

The episode will see Dermot delve into the crucial role which RNLI Crews played during the Second World War.

The episode will see Dermot delve into the crucial role which RNLI Crews played during the Second World War. He will also visit lifeboat stations around the coast uncovering the stories of the pivotal role that the RNLI and its crews played in some of the most important events of the time.

Falmouth Packet: TV presenter and longtime RNLI supporter Dermot O'Leary will host the special BBC episode TV presenter and longtime RNLI supporter Dermot O'Leary will host the special BBC episode (Image: RNLI | Richard Adams)

At Penlee’s old lifeboat house at Mousehole, Dermot found out more about the bravery of the men involved in the war years, meeting retired Penlee Lifeboat press officer Elaine Bawden, and learning how the station's efforts supported the war effort.

Dermot said: “As an ambassador of the RNLI and a huge history fan, it was a privilege for me to uncover some of the untold stories that saw ordinary volunteers get involved in some of the most extraordinary events of the Second World War.

“The brave men and women we heard about left a real impression on me, as did the present-day volunteers I was able to meet along the way, who are still saving lives at sea today.

RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie explains what viewers will see when the episode is broadcast. He said: “As the RNLI marks 200 years of lifesaving, we look forward to seeing this very special episode of Saving Lives at Sea sharing some of our incredible stories from the Second World War.

“As viewers will see, our lifeboat crews played a remarkable role during the war, with stories of great tragedy and also immense bravery featured in the episode.”

Mark added, "Throughout the Second World War, the RNLI saved 6,376 lives. Our lifeboat crews towed vessels loaded with explosives, navigated minefields, and rescued downed aircrew from both sides during the Battle of Britain.

“And today, our selfless volunteers continue to go to the aid of those in peril at sea whoever they are and wherever they are from, just like our lifeboat crews have been doing for 200 years.”