Farewell to Sandwell Lifeline as Aberdyfi RNLI welcomes new lifeboat

The lifeboat crew welcomed their new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Hugh Miles to Aberdyfi on Sunday and have been busy taking part in intense training throughout the week as they familiarise themselves with their new lifeboat.

Before the Atlantic 75 Sandwell Lifeline left Aberdyfi this afternoon the volunteers couldn’t miss the opportunity to take their old friend out on one last exercise – closely joined by the new Atlantic 85 Hugh Miles. The Sandwell Lifeline arrived in Aberdyfi on the 11 September 1999 and was funded by the people of Sandwell, West Midlands – hence the name Sandwell Lifeline. RNLI volunteers from Sandwell were there to witness the final exercise today before the Atlantic 75 was taken from station.

Over the past 17 years the Atlantic 75 has launched on service 328 times, saved 19 lives and rescued an additional 287 people.

Will Stockford, Aberdyfi Helm said:

‘We have mixed emotions here today – we as a crew are obviously very excited to receive our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat but it’s also a sad day as we say goodbye to a faithful friend. Looking at the Sandwell Lifeline you would never say she’s been saving lives for over 17 years – she still looks as new as the day she arrived in Aberdyfi back in 1999. The Sandwell Lifeline has looked after the volunteer crew and kept us safe as we launch in all-weathers, either responding to rescue calls or training off the coast of Aberdyfi. But it’s time to look to the future and we’re proud to welcome the Atlantic 85 Hugh Miles into our community.’

The £214,000 Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat is one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet, reaching top speeds of 35 knots. Nearly a meter longer than the Atlantic 75, the Atlantic 85 has room for more kit and can carry four crew members compared to three on the station’s previous lifeboat.

Notes to editors:

Attached are pictures of Aberdyfi RNLI’s Atlantic 75 lifeboat Sandwell Lifeline and the station’s new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Hugh Miles on a final training exercise before the Sandwell Lifeline leaves Aberdyfi. Credit: Nicholas Leach.

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