Fleetwood RNLI retired lifeboat still helping save lives
The Tyne class lifeboat, William Street, which retired from service in August 2016, has found a new home in Mallaig, in Scotland.
It is currently being used by Pete Fowler at Seafari Adventures, who have a contract to transport the local GP and other health workers, twice weekly, to communities on the Small Isles, Eigg, Rhum, Muck and Canna, at the southern end of Skye.
The William Street left Fleetwood in August 2016 and Pete purchased her in December 2017. She was transported up to Ardrossan and then sailed to her new home port.
There have been no changes to the Tyne class lifeboat, other than a new colour scheme and a new name, Amelia.
Pete said, ‘Given the changeable weather we have in the area, it made sense to choose an all-weather lifeboat, to ensure a good service for our isolated communities.’
The William Street arrived at RNLI Fleetwood in 1989 and over its 27 years of service with the volunteer lifeboat crew, made more than 500 rescues and saved 527 lives. It was also involved in the Riverdance incident and was on service for over 20 hours in appalling weather, on that fateful night.
William Street was a benefactor from Bury, who helped many charities when he was alive. The Bury Ladies Lifeboat Guild were instrumental in obtaining funds from the legacy left by William Street. Their association is still as strong as ever with Fleetwood RNLI.
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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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