Penarth RNLI issues its own call for help to fund new lifeboat

The money will pay for a new D-class inshore lifeboat which, it is hoped, will replace the existing boat in early 2018 and accompany the station’s bigger Atlantic 85 lifeboat.

RNLI volunteers say the new boat will help the lifeboat crew save lives at sea for years into the future.

At a celebratory appeal launch at the lifeboat station today (21 July) Olympic sailor Hannah Mills, 28, who hails from Dinas Powys, will meet the volunteer lifeboat crew and station officials and give her support to the fundraising bid.

Hannah, who won a silver medal at the 2012 Games in London and is soon to set off to Brazil to compete in the Rio de Janiero Olympics, said: ‘I grew up sailing in these waters and I knew that if I ever got into trouble the RNLI would be there to help me.

‘The lifeboat volunteers risk everything to save others in danger at sea so they need the best equipment possible to keep them safe and help them help others. So I would urge everyone to dig deep and do what they can to support this lifeboat appeal.’

D-class lifeboats are the most numerous and main workhorses of the RNLI operating in inshore waters and there are over 150 in the fleet. 

Since 1980, when Penarth RNLI lifeboat station re-opened after a break of some 80 years, they have had five different D-class boats. The present one, the D693 Connie Daines has been in Penarth since 2008 and during that time has been launched on 225 service calls, rescued 332 people, and saved seven lives.  In 2015 Penarth RNLI lifeboat station rescued more people than any other inshore station in Wales. 

Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Penarth RNLI Station said: ‘We have fantastic support from our community and I would like to appeal to them once again to help with this appeal and encourage everyone to take part in fundraising activities.

‘Our volunteer crews can be called out 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year to help save lives at sea on the Bristol Channel, on the beaches, in the rivers and in Cardiff Bay. By supporting this appeal people will be ensuring our volunteer crews have the latest equipment to help them to continue in that mission.

‘The RNLI does not receive government funding and is supported almost entirely by the voluntary contributions of its supporters, so we really need do need your help.’

Anyone interested in supporting the appeal, whether that be via donation, hosting an event or volunteering their time, should contact [email protected]. Alternatively, please visit www.penarthlifeboatappeal.org to donate.

Notes to editors:

The attached pictures, which should all be credited to Huw Evans Agency, show:

- First three pics: Olympic sailor Hannah Mills launching Penarth RNLI's new lifeboat fundraising appeal today (Thursday 21 July)

- Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Penarth RNLI, and Hannah Mills

- Penarth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew with Hannah Mills at today's launch

For more information please contact Andy Berry, Lifeboat Press Officer for Penarth RNLI, on 07951 051128, or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer Wales, on 07748 265496 / [email protected].

D-class lifeboats are generally replaced within 10 years of starting service. At 5m long and weighing 400kg, a 50hp Mariner engine gives the boat a top speed of 25 knots with a crew of three on board, making it fast, manoeuvrable and stable.
The D-class operates closer to shore than all-weather lifeboats and is specifically suited to surf, shallow water and confined locations, often close to cliffs, among rocks or even in caves.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.