Rain fails to keeps the crowds away as Barmouth dedicates new RNLI lifeboat
The Shannon class lifeboat has been officially named Ella Larsen during a ceremony this afternoon.The lifeboat has been privately funded by the The Basil Larsen 1999 Charitable Trust.
Ian Sadler, Barmouth RNLI Lifeboat Chairman welcomed guests and opened proceeding before RNLI Operations and Safety Director George Rawlinson handed over the lifeboat into the care of Barmouth Lifeboat Station.
The lifeboat which arrived in Barmouth on 10 March was officially accepted today by Barmouth Lifeboat Operations Manager David Baily in the service of dedication at the boathouse led by Canon Beth Bailey.
Dr Rob Howorth, former crew, Lifeboat Medical Advisor and Chair at Barmouth Lifeboat Station named the lifeboat Ella Larsen. This was followed by a vote of thanks from Barmouth RNLI Coxswain Peter Davies.
Propelled by water jets, the Shannon is a very different lifeboat to the Mersey class lifeboat. It is technologically more advanced and can reach speeds of 25 knots, compared to the 17 knot of the Mersey. It will enable the RNLI to provide a comprehensive search and rescue service across Cardigan Bay and reach people in trouble quicker than ever before.
Despite the poor weather, the community came out in their droves to witness the historic milestone, a highlight of which was watching the lifeboat launch provide a short demonstration at sea.
David Baily, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for Barmouth said:
‘I’m incredibly proud of how the volunteer crew have invested so much of their time to get to grips with this fantastic new lifeboat. The dedication is a celebration of that achievement. Without the generosity of our supporters, our volunteer crews wouldn’t be able to do what they do, so this day is very much be about showing our gratitude for that support.’
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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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