Miniature model artist Slinkachu recreates RNLI rescue
Yachting World: A mini maritime rescue has appeared near the London Eye to raise awareness of the RNLI’s lifesaving work and the upcoming Alternative Boat Race.
Street artist Slinkachu has recreated a lifesaving RNLI rescue that happened on the Thames last year to highlight the amazing work the charity does and raise awareness of the upcoming Alternative Boat Race.
The artist, who is famed for his ‘little people’ miniature model set-ups, has crafted a scene depicting a genuine rescue from September last year, where RNLI volunteers went above and beyond rescuing a man trapped on a mooring cable beneath the London Eye.
After arriving on scene, two RNLI crew rescued the man who was stood on the mooring cable of a boom after jumping from their lifeboat in choppy conditions to help him.
Helen Church was one of the volunteers who aided the man in his precarious situation, getting him to the safety of the lifeboat.
Once onboard, he was taken to Tower lifeboat station where he was handed into the care of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.
The RNLI relies on the generosity of the public to fund its lifesaving work and Slinkachu’s composition supports the Alternative Boat Race fundraising event on 10th April, taking place the day before the BNY Mellon Boat Race.
Members of the public can sponsor one of 250 floating miniature lifeboats to be in with the chance of winning the right to name one of the charity’s new D class lifeboats.
The race will kick off at 5.30pm, running between Barnes Bridge and the finish line at the University Stone, just before Chiswick Bridge.
Slinkachu, who waived his fee for the RNLI to create the set-up, said: “I’m a proud Londoner and wanted to help highlight the vital job the RNLI does on the Thames to keep us all safe.
“The crew members have to be ready to launch at a moment’s notice day or night to ensure they reach those in difficulty on the water as quickly as possible. It’s really important that the RNLI has the support of residents of London.
“I hope people are inspired by my work to come out and support the charity at this fun event, which has a serious message at its heart.”
Helen Church, who balances volunteering for the RNLI with her day job as a civil servant said: “I love being a volunteer for the RNLI and being a part of a team save lives is what it’s all about.
“Considering the amount of people that use the Thames each day and how treacherous the waters can be, it’s surprising how many people aren’t aware of the RNLI’s work in London.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be immortalised as part of Slinkachu’s work.”
