Pwllheli RNLI to formally name new lifeboat in memory of former Coxswain

The D-class lifeboat will be formally named Robert J Wright in memory of the station’s former Coxswain who passed away at sea during a lifeboat service in 2015.

Pwllheli RNLI were given the challenge of raising £24,000 to help fund the new D-class lifeboat as part of a community appeal. As the volunteers were eager to mark Robert’s memory the target was smashed in a matter of weeks and the station decided to continue the good work and fund the whole amount - £48,000.

The naming and service of dedication is always a special day for every lifeboat community as the new lifeboat is officially accepted and welcomed into the charity’s lifesaving fleet.

The honour of formally naming the D-class lifeboat will be given to Pwllheli resident Mrs Mary Jones who has spent a lifetime supporting her local lifeboat station.

Clifford Thomas the Pwllheli Lifeboats Operations Manager said:

‘It will give me great pleasure on Saturday to accept the lifeboat on behalf of Pwllheli Lifeboat Station. On behalf of all the station volunteers I would like to thank the community of Pwllheli for their generosity, as by funding this D-class lifeboat they have given our town a lifesaver.’

Mary Bott, Robert Wright’s sister told of how proud Roberts (Bob) would have been and how proud the family are that the new D-Class has been named in his memory. She also mentioned that it’s such a fitting tribute to someone that gave his true dedication to the Lifeboat Service.

The D-class inshore lifeboat has been the workhorse of the RNLI for over 50 years. With a top speed of 25 knots, the D-class lifeboat is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore to support the charity’s all-weather lifeboats. The lifeboat comes into her own for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.

Notes to editor

• Attached is a photo of Pwllheli’s D-class lifeboat which will be officially named Robert J Wright at Saturday’s Naming and Service of Dedication Ceremony. Credit: Andy Green – Green Sea Photography

• Interviews with Pwllheli RNLI volunteers will be available on the day. Please phone Tomos Moore or Eleri Roberts on the numbers below ahead of the event to arrange.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Tomos Moore, Pwllheli Lifeboat Press Officer on 07552 446447. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Public Relations Manager on 07771 941390 or email [email protected].

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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