New Abersoch RNLI lifeboat to be officially dedicated
RNLI volunteers at Abersoch are looking forward to an exciting day in the station’s history as their new Atlantic 85 lifeboat is named.
The Atlantic 85, which arrived on station in October last year, is powered by two 115hp engines and has a stronger hull and greater top speed. The lifeboat has been funded by a bequest from Mrs Ann Constance Setten from Shropshire, who was an RNLI supporter during her lifetime, and is named after her and her husband Peter.
During the ceremony the lifeboat will be named Peter and Ann Setten by two of Mrs Setten’s relatives - her niece Liz Badman and her great niece Sarah Flook.
Liz Badman said she is looking forward to travelling to Abersoch for the ceremony.
‘My aunt always loved anything to do with boats, the sea and the Navy and she also had an interest in the lifeboats from her childhood holidays in Teignmouth in 1920s and early 30s,’ she said.
The arrival of the lifeboat last year was a momentous occasion for the station, after she was given the seal of approval by HRH The Duke of Kent. His Royal Highness was touring the area and had the opportunity to view the newly arrived Atlantic 85.
The lifeboat, which will replace the station’s outgoing Atlantic 75 lifeboat, is able to carry a fourth crew member, whilst also having improved space for kit.
Lee Firman, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager for the RNLI in north Wales says:
‘The Atlantic 85 has some impressive features such as the added radar, which allows the crew to operate more effectively in poor visibility and she also has VHF direction-finding equipment. The lifeboat has already been called out to a number of rescue missions and we are confident it will help the volunteer crew to save lives at sea.’
The Atlantic 85 carries a full suite of communication and electronic navigation aids, including VHF radio, VHF direction finding, intercom, DGPS and electronic chart, radar and hand-held VHF, as well as a searchlight, night-vision equipment and illuminating paraflares for night-time operations.
Charlie Jones, RNLI Council Member, will officially accept the boat on behalf of the RNLI.
Notes To Editors
The Duke of Kent has been President of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) since 1969, succeeding his parents.
Where: Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Station
When: Saturday 16 April, 2016 at 2.30pm
Event: Naming ceremony and service of dedication of Abersoch’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat. Bilingual interviews will be available. Please register your intention to attend by calling Danielle Rush on the telephone numbers below.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Public Relations Manager Wales, on 07786 668829 / [email protected] or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer Wales, on 07748 265496 / [email protected].
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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