The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is appealing for more money from the public.

The charity says more people than ever need its help, meaning support from the public is more vital.

Last year, Manx lifeboats launched 71 times coming to the aid of 90 people.

Douglas RNLI launched 25 times, rescuing 22 people while Peel RNLI launched 15 times, bringing 24 people to safety.

Meanwhile, Port Erin RNLI launched six times, coming to the aid of seven people, Port St Mary RNLI launched 13 times, rescuing 17 people and Ramsey RNLI launched 12 times, rescuing 20 people, one of whom was a life saved thanks to the direct actions of the lifeboat crew.

To ensure the RNLI can continue its lifesaving work, the charity is running a major fundraising appeal, The Perfect Storm.

A charity spokesman said: ’While many people will be thinking about presents, turkey and time with the family, dedicated RNLI volunteers at the five lifeboat stations on the Isle of Man will be ensuring their yellow wellies and lifejackets are ready for when the call comes and will be prepared to drop everything at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea.

’In many cases, family members will need to abandon their turkey dinner and head to their lifeboat station when the call for help comes in.

’This will be no different at Douglas RNLI, where many of the crew have young children who will be looking forward to Santa Claus coming and playing their new toys with their parents.

’But, like the rest of the volunteers at Douglas RNLI, they too will be willing and ready to drop everything to help someone in need.’

Mike Howland, Douglas RNLI lifeboat press officer said: ’Christmas is no different to any other time of year.

’We’ll still be on call ready to save lives and delay our own Christmas celebrations. None of our volunteer team at Douglas will mind doing that. That is what we are here for.

’It is our hope that no one finds themselves in difficulty in the water this Christmas, but should we be called out, there will be no greater Christmas gift for us than to bring someone to safety.

’We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the public.

’The RNLI has experienced a shortfall in funds, but we are rescuing more people than ever before. We are facing the Perfect Storm and are calling on people to make a donation this Christmas to ensure we can continue saving lives at sea.’

To support the RNLI’s Perfect Storm appeal this Christmas, helping to ensure the charity’s volunteers can continue saving lives at sea, please visit RNLI.org/ThePerfectStorm