Shannon class RNLI lifeboat visits Rhyl

The RNLB 'Brianne Aldington' and it's futuristic launch and recovery equipment, made a flying visit last week in order to undertake a boathouse fit to check whether any modifications need to take place before Rhyl's new £2.2 million boat arrives sometime next year. The boat arrived by sea from Fleetwood, and the launch and recovery 'SLARS' equipment came by road last Tuesday.

The following day the RNLI's team spent the morning conducting the boathouse fit. The visit also gave the Rhyl volunteer crew and fundraisers a chance to see the lifesaving equipment they will be using in the future.

Martin Jones, Rhyl Lifeboat Coxswain says: 'Seeing the relief Shannon arrive on Rhyl's beach for the first time was a special moment for everyone here at Rhyl RNLI, after many years of hard work towards getting a new all-weather lifeboat for our town. Coming a week after launching our £150,000 appeal towards the costs of our new boat, this has given us a great insight into the kit we are raising the money towards. We have already heard that the Shannon class is a huge leap in capability from our old boat, but to see it first hand on our beach was something else! We are delighted to say that the boat house fit was a success with minimal modifications needed to the station'.

If you would like to contribute to Rhyl's new Shannon class lifeboat you can by visiting: rhyl-lifeboat.co.uk/shannon-appeal/

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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