SCUBACHAT
Balancing act
Andrew Bengey
Ilfracombe ’ s hero
TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN PAID TO ILFRACOMBE-BASED charter skipper and RNLI Coxswain Andrew Bengey , who has died after a heart attack , aged 61 .
An Ilfracombe man born and bred , Andrew grew up in and around the harbour . By the age of 10 he was helping to load and unload boats , but his family urged him to study and he became an accountant . By 2001 he grew tired with accountancy and bought his first charter boat , followed in 2004 by the first of his Obsession boats .
Over the years , Andrew and his crews built up an enviable reputation for their charter services , taking thousands of divers on hugely popular trips to Lundy Island and other local sites . Many a diver was introduced to the delights of the Bristol Channel on board Obsession 1 or 2 , and while Andy was essentially a warm water diver , his knowledge of the area ’ s underwater highlights was comprehensive .
He had a longstanding career with the RNLI , beginning as a volunteer at Ilfracombe lifeboat station in November 1978 . An RNLI crew member for many years , Andrew progressed to Deputy 2nd Coxswain in July 1988 and on to Coxswain in September 2010 .
Adrian Carey , Head of the South West Region of the RNLI said : “ The RNLI is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Ilfracombe RNLI ’ s Coxswain Andrew Bengey . Andrew served an incredible 45 years as a volunteer and was loved and well respected by the volunteers at Ilfracombe lifeboat station and the wider RNLI community . His passing has been felt across the organisation and I and others learned so much from him over the years about what it takes to be a volunteer and lead a professional team of lifesavers . His impact and influence have been huge .”
“ Since 1994 , when the RNLI first started capturing crew data electronically , Andrew was involved in 458 launches from Ilfracombe , helping 550 people in difficulty at sea , and saving 31 lives . These figures illustrate the incredible contribution to the RNLI and saving lives at sea Andrew made .” SIMON ROGERSON , SCUBA Editor
MAY I COMPLIMENT YOU ON A very well balanced edition [ SCUBA April 2023 ] that seems very UKcentric , reflecting my lifelong interest in UK diving ( I started in 1978 ), and full of relevant , appropriate , inspiring and very English stories mirroring the traditions , values and interests of many UK divers . The edition is particularly welcome when we see such large numbers of new divers using us in the UK as a stepping stone to go and dive deep blue waters in foreign lands surrounded by impossibly coloured fish , and this issue feels like one that might make them think twice about the value of diving UK waters . STEVE BARNES Branch 32 IDive , Ipswich
Editor ’ s response : Many thanks for the feedback , Steve . In truth , this is the balance we try to strike with most issues , but we are pleased this one resonated particularly with you .
Motorcycle money raising
SUTTON COLDFIELD SAC HAS LAUNCHED A FUNDRAISING PROJECT for the RNLI , and to help our club obtain an engine for our RIB . This an agreed joint project with the RNLI , and the majority of the funds raised will be for the RNLI . On 15 May 2023 , several of our members will ride motorcycles to every RNLI Lifeboat station in England , Scotland and Wales . The total distance covered will be over 7,135 miles . If anyone wants to help , you can scan the barcode for a link to our JustGiving page , or call Alan on 07525 743409 . ALAN FLEMING QRM , Vice Chair , Sutton Coldfield SAC 0425
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