Barmouth RNLI long-serving lifeboat Moira Barrie is bid a fond farewell
At 10am on Friday 26 April 2019, Barmouth RNLI volunteer crew members past and present, alongside lifeboat enthusiasts, gathered on Barmouth beach, despite the best efforts of storm Hannah, to see Mersey Class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Moira Barrie 12-26 launch for the final time.
Moira Barrie was passaged from her home in Barmouth back to RNLI Headquarters in Poole. The current RNLI Barmouth fleet of Shannon Class ALB Ella Larsen and D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) Craig Steadman escorted her on her way.
It was a sad occasion for the volunteer crew and enthusiasts as long serving lifeboat Moira Barrie has been saving lives at sea in Barmouth and the surrounding Cardigan Bay since she arrived on 24 September 1992, saving countless lives and rescuing stricken vessels.
Barmouth Coxswain since 2004, Peter Davies said: ‘Today will be a sad day for all involved at Barmouth Lifeboat Station. We will say a last farewell to Moira Barrie who has served Barmouth well for nearly 27 years. I was a young member of crew stood on the old slipway when then Coxswain Cedric Griffith sailed her into the harbour, so I feel particularly honoured to be part of the crew taking her on her final journey away from Barmouth. Although sad because of the attachment lifeboat stations have with their boats, we will have a toast to celebrate her service and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead with the new Barmouth lifeboat Ella Larsen.’
Ends
For more information please contact Sarah Radford, Barmouth Lifeboat Deputy Press Officers on 07887 492210 or Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer – Wales and North West on 07771 941390 / 01745 585162
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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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