On Wednesday 30 September, more than 150 guests from across the shipping community came together at the prestigious Royal Thames Yacht Club in London to raise funds Baltic Exchange IV, a new state-of-the-art Shannon-class lifeboat to serve the RNLI Salcombe station. The new vessel will help to ensure crews have the equipment and resources they need to continue their vital lifesaving work at sea.

The evening began with a drinks reception, giving guests the opportunity to catch up before dinner. The Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Mike Robson, provided opening remarks followed by an update on the construction of the new vessel. After dinner, guests were then treated to a presentation by renowned photographer David Yarrow, who shared stories from his career and some of his most memorable assignments around the world. David also generously donated two items to the live auction: a framed print of his acclaimed photograph Badrutt’s II and a signed copy of David Yarrow: The Collection.

Donations, the dinner and a successful auction held during the evening mean the appeal has already raised £400,000 towards the new lifeboat. Baltic CEO Mark Jackson said, "The dinner highlighted the longstanding connection between Baltic members, the wider industry and the RNLI, and our deep appreciation of the vital work carried out by RNLI crews across the UK and Ireland."

Baltic Exchange and members of the fundraising committee would like to thank all attendees, sponsors, donors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the evening. Their generosity will help to bring the new Salcombe Shannon-class lifeboat to life and support RNLI crews as they continue to save lives at sea.

If you or your company would like to donate to the appeal, please visit the JustGiving page here.

View the full photo gallery from the event here.