Fethard RNLI to name new lifeboat Naomh Dubhán in local ceremony
A new D class lifeboat for Fethard RNLI is to be officially named Naomh Dubhán during a ceremony at Fethard lifeboat station, county Wexford at 2pm on Saturday 30 June 2018. All are welcome to attend. The lifeboat, which went on service in February.
The €65,000 life-saving vessel was funded following a community appeal which was supported by the people of Fethard, the Hook peninsula and the New Ross area, who, over the course of twelve months, raised the funds needed to replace their previous lifeboat.
The ceremony of naming and dedication for the lifeboat will have representation from the many volunteers who make up Fethard RNLI. These are men and women from operations, fundraising and the management group. The invitation is being extended to the community to give thanks and recognition to their support in raising the funds needed for the new lifeboat.
The name Naomh Dubhán was chosen in recognition of the saint who came to the Hook Peninsula from Wales in 452 A.D and established a monastery. It is believed that St. Dubhán lit the first warning beacon for ships on the Hook Peninsula shortly after his arrival. This beacon was maintained by monks for 700 years until Hook lighthouse was built.
First introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1963, the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat continues to evolve to meet changes in demand and technology. It is highly manoeuvrable and operates closer to shore than all-weather lifeboats. The D Class plays a vital role in searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves. The D class lifeboat in Fethard is launched from a trolley, with the help of a launch and recovery Landrover.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Fethard RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Damien McGarry Tel: 085 818 8938 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Regional Media Manager Ireland on 00353871254124 or [email protected] or
Nuala McAloon RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland on 00353876483547 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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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.