Ten years since the departure of St Davids RNLI Tyne class lifeboat

Garside was a cherished part of St Davids RNLI Lifeboat Station's history. During her 28-year operational life at the station, she launched 343 times, saved 79 lives and rescued a further 35 people.

Her notable rescues include the rescue of the fishing vessel Stephanie Jane on 26 February 1989. The vessel had broken down and was dragging her anchor near rocks five cables south of the South Bishop Lighthouse in rough seas and winds gusting up to 70 knots. A Bronze medal was awarded to St Davids RNLI Coxswain and Mechanic, David Chant in recognition for the courage, seamanship and boat handling skill displayed in rescuing the crew of four from the vessel.

On 24 December, 1999, St Davids volunteer crew were at sea for more than eight hours during the rescue of the tanker Blackfriars in rough seas and force seven winds. The tanker had been swept ashore onto Musselwick Sands after the anchor cable had parted. Operating in very shallow water, our crew were able to establish a tow and save the tanker. Coxswain Malcolm Gray MBE was awarded with a Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum for his tenacity, determination and seamanship. The remainder of the crew received Vellum service certificates whilst Honorary Secretary Jeffrey Davies received a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI’s Chief of Operations for his commitment ashore during the course of the service.

At night, in gale force winds and very rough seas, on 21 December 2004 Yves Marie Amil, a fishing trawler was ablaze and disabled. St Davids RNLI volunteers went to their assistance, managing to position the lifeboat alongside the trawler in gale force winds and 3-4m breaking waves, saving the lives of three fishermen aboard the vessel. The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum was awarded to Coxswain Malcolm Gray MBE for his involvement in this lifesaving rescue and each of the crew received a service certificate and Letter of Thanks from the RNLI Director of Operations.

On the evening of 6 into 7 March, 2008, St Davids RNLI volunteers were afloat in gale force winds and 5m waves for 12 hours. An 80ft, 111 tonne fishing trawler, Western Belle lost all power and was adrift in a traffic separation lane (9 miles south west of the Smalls Lighthouse.) A tow was secured but parted twice due to the conditions – Garside was turned through 180º twice. During the shout, Second Coxswain Clive Hayes was seriously injured whilst leaving the wheelhouse. Clive was checking the tow, when he sustained two fractured ribs, despite this, he carried on. Clive’s dedication was recognised with a framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution, Admiral Sir Jock Slater.

Garside’s final launch was a poignant moment for the crew and the community, marking the end of an era for St Davids RNLI but the beginning of a chapter as the Tamar class Norah Wortley began operating from her new slipway station.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Anya Walton, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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