£48,000 lifeboat named ‘Akira’ at Anstruther ceremony
Anstruther RNLI officially named their new D Class lifeboat funded entirely by local volunteers
This essential lifesaving vessel, which has been funded by the volunteers of Anstruther lifeboat station in a number of fundraising events dating back to 2009, was accepted by RNLI Vice President Sir Andrew Cubie in a handover from Anstruther Lifeboat Management Group chairman John Smith.
In handing the boat over, John added, ‘It gives me great delight to present this state of the art lifeboat to the RNLI to serve the local community here in Anstruther’.
Akira, which is the anglicised female version of the Scottish male name Acair meaning anchor, was selected by Kirkton of Largo schoolgirl Eden Russell who won a competition last year to choose the name of the lifeboat.
Eden, who also presented a cheque for £815 from her fundraising efforts since winning the completion, symbolised the naming of the boat in the traditional manner of pouring whiskey over the bow of the boat which then launched to demonstrate its capabilities to station guests and onlookers.
Station Coxswain Michael Bruce accepted Akira from Sir Andrew Cubie and reiterated the pride of his crew in taking charge of such an immense lifeboat. Michael commented, ‘It is an honour and privilege to accept this lifeboat on behalf of Anstruther Lifeboat Station. The efforts of our volunteer crew, shop staff and fundraisers have all played a vital part in funding this wonderful lifeboat.’
Michael also took the opportunity to thank the wider lifeboat family, especially the partners of our volunteers who support their loved ones in both on and off the lifeboat. ‘Without your love, effort and support, we would not be afforded opportunities like we have here today.’
Since arriving on station back in October, Akira has already taken part in seven rescues so far and remains ready to respond and serve our community at any hour of the day at the request of the UK Coastguard.
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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