New boathouse for Criccieth's lifesaving RNLI inshore rescue boat

Monday 3 July 2017

Construction of a new boathouse is well under way at Criccieth's RNLI Lifeboat Station. The boathouse, which is being built near the main boathouse, will house the station's Arancia Class inshore rescue boat and associated all-road vehicle.

Last year the inshore rescue boat was involved in saving the lives of 18 people in the Tremadog Bay area. In total, the station saved the lives of 19 people during 2016 - the joint 2nd highest total throughout the UK & Ireland. The new boathouse will provide a tailor-made home for the lifeboat which will be stowed on its trailer and attached to a 4x4; this enables crew members to tow the lifeboat to a range of launch and recovery sites around the bay.

The cost of the boathouse has been met by a local will and donations from people living either in Criccieth or with connections to the town. A new 4x4 vehicle will also be provided and the cost of this has also been met from a local donation.

Criccieth was the first station in the UK to be allocated an Arancia Class lifeboat, which are normally used for surf rescue, for effecting rescues in tidal areas around the Dwyryd and Glaslyn Estuaries in the main.

The Station's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Peter L Williams stated 'the new boathouse will provide a fitting home to a lifesaving piece of equipment. The Arancia has been called into action on 94 occasions since joining us at Criccieth in 2011, following a trail boat being stationed here in 2009. Last year alone it saved 18 lives, proving it's value to the RNLI fleet.'

ENDS

For further information, please contact Ifer Gwyn on 075544453216

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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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.

New boathouse for Criccieth's lifesaving RNLI inshore rescue boat

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