The John & Elizabeth memorial Trust was set up in 1998 and since then has been able to fully fund two Shannon class lifeboats, two Atlantic 85 boats, and Harwich’s new B-Class lifeboat, Tierney, Harvey & Sonny Reid.
The new lifeboat arrived in the town on 21st May to a warm welcome from crowds and supporters.
During the naming event the new lifeboat and boathouse was blessed by Reverend Samantha Winney. She said, ‘It’s such a privilege to be the Harwich lifeboat station’s Chaplain at any time, but especially when I have the opportunity to ask for God’s blessings on the new ILB and also on the newly refurbished lifeboat house. The women and men of Harwich RNLI are always in my prayers.’
Harwich RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, David Thurston, said: ‘We are immensely proud and honoured to receive this brand new state of the art Atlantic 85 at Harwich. Although sad to see the old ILB “Sure and Steadfast” move on to pastures greener, we are already seeing the benefits of the larger and better equipped “Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid”. Our volunteer crews have enjoyed the upskilling required with the more technical equipment available to assist in search and rescue around the coast. We look forward to the new boat serving us for many years.’
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.
