Filey stands still to pay last respects to RNLI lifeboatman who died at 46

The funeral procession for a long-serving member of Filey's RNLI crew who died suddenly at the age of just 46 has taken place today..
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Lee Cowling passed away on June 5 and his funeral cortege passed along Filey's foreshore to allow residents of the town to pay their last respects to him before a service at Octon Crematorium.

Large numbers of people lined the route and police officers bowed their heads as the procession passed. Young RNLI volunteers formed a guard of honour on the deck of a lifeboat.

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Lee had been a volunteer at the RNLI station in Filey since the age of 18, having joined straight from Filey Sea Cadets.

There was a large turnout for Lee Cowling's funeral procession in FileyThere was a large turnout for Lee Cowling's funeral procession in Filey
There was a large turnout for Lee Cowling's funeral procession in Filey

He is believed to have died suddenly after collapsing and his mother Irene thanked emergency services personnel who tried to save his life in an emotional Facebook post.

"Just wanted to say thank you to the young man, who I now know is called Mark, who ran to my son Lee's aid and started CPR, for doing all he could, and the Filey police officers, ambulance crew and everyone at Scarborough Hospital for all their incredible care. Unfortunately he lost his battle."

Lee is survived by Irene and his father and brother, who are both called Richard.

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He played a pivotal role in a dramatic rescue back in March 2015, when the inshore lifeboat capsized in heavy seas while searching for a missing person.

The procession began on the foreshore because of limits on capacity at the crematoriumThe procession began on the foreshore because of limits on capacity at the crematorium
The procession began on the foreshore because of limits on capacity at the crematorium

A tribute from RNLI Filey read: "It is with great sadness that we announce that crew member Lee Cowling has passed away suddenly aged just 46.

"Lee joined Filey Lifeboat in January 1992, serving on both our all-weather and inshore boats, becoming an ILB helm.

"Lee was a lifeboat stalwart and it was through his dedication, drive and commitment that our annual raft race was rekindled in 2015, going on to attract thousands of visitors each year.

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"He took part in countless rescues off the Filey coast, including one in March 2015 when both boats launched in complete darkness and heavy seas to assist in the search for a missing person.

Filey Sea Cadets formed a guard of honour on the deck of the lifeboatFiley Sea Cadets formed a guard of honour on the deck of the lifeboat
Filey Sea Cadets formed a guard of honour on the deck of the lifeboat

"The Coastguard helicopter was forced to abandon the search due to a bird strike and the ILB capsized. The crew, one of whom was Lee, managed to right the ILB and carry the casualty to the boat, which was recovered by rocket line fired from the ALB. The ILB crew then faced either having to be hauled up the 400ftt cliffs or a long trek across rocks back towards Filey. They chose to walk but it took them nearly two hours to walk half a mile and nearly all their kit was ripped to shreds.

"That's lifeboating and that is what Lee was keen to do.

"Fair winds and following seas, Lee. Your loss is very hard for us all to take in."

Over £1,000 has been raised for the RNLI Filey station after a Justgiving appeal was set up following Lee's death. To donate, click here.

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