Poignant time for Rhyl RNLI volunteers as old boat leaves and two crew retire.

Following the completion of trials and successful training for the new Shannon-class lifeboat which became the station all-weather lifeboat at Rhyl on 4 December 2019, the time had come for the station's Mersey-class lifeboat to depart for service elsewhere after 27 years as station boat.
At 10.30 am, the Mersey lifeboat 'Lil Cunningham' launched to a large watching crowd for the last time, followed by the Shannon and the inshore lifeboat.
The final service of the Mersey and her crew was to scatter the ashes of former crew member Gordon Williams. The ceremony was undertaken by Coxswain Martin Jones, watched over by the crew of senior members.
Once the ceremony was over, the lifeboats gave a sail-past for the watching public, and, following a short passage into the harbour at Rhyl, the Mersey and her crew then set sail to take the boat to Conwy marina, where the Mersey will be stored. The lifeboat will still provide cover, and will be maintained as a relief boat for the remaining Mersey lifeboats in the fleet around the UK and Ireland.
On board were two crew who had served on Rhyl lifeboat for over 50 years, and this passage would signal the end of their sea-going roles within the RNLI. Jimmy Quinn, third mechanic, has provided mechanic cover at many stations throughout the RNLI. He has been a valuable asset to the charity, being able to cover for stations at a moment's notice. Paul Frost has been Deputy Coxswain at Rhyl, providing both mechanic and Coxswain cover at Rhyl for Martin Jones. He is also the station's Press Officer. Paul will retain his Press Officer role on station.
Paul Frost said 'Both Jimmy and I are sad to finish our sea-going duties, but we are both proud to be part of the crew picked to take 'Lil' away, and also proud to be part of a great team of volunteers at Rhyl. We are sure we have handed over to an excellent crew, who will continue saving lives at sea into the future off the North-East Wales coastline'.
Coxswain Martin Jones said 'The RNLI lifeboat station at Rhyl has been very lucky to have such crew as Jimmy and Paul. They have helped both me and the RNLI, and have served the charity well for over half a century. We are glad they will continue serving the station in some capacity in the years to come'.
For further info, please contact Paul Frost via [email protected] or 07894 105165.

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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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