Excitement mounts as Barmouth RNLI crew prepare to bring new lifeboat home
This week, Barmouth RNLI volunteers will depart from the charity’s headquarters in Poole, Dorset, and make their way to north Wales – with their new £2.2M lifeboat.
Crowds are expected to line the beach and lifeboats from Aberdyfi, Criccieth and Pwllheli escort her in as she arrives by sea.
The new lifeboat takes over from the Station’s Mersey class all-weather (ALB) lifeboat the Moira Barrie which has looked after lifesaving in Cardigan Bay for over 26 years since her arrival in 1992.
The Shannon class lifeboat is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by water jets instead of traditional propellers, making her the most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat yet. Reaching top speeds of 25 knots, the Shannon is nearly 50% faster than the Mersey, giving crews the ability to reach those in need even faster. Additionally, the Shannon can turn in her own length or stop almost instantly, making going alongside a vessel to take off casualties a much safer option.
The ALB Moira Barrie will remain on station for a number of weeks before handing over to the Ella Larsen once all training is complete. The new boat will be officially named in a ceremony at the station planned for 8th June 2019.
RNLI media contacts
For more information or to register your intention to attend, please telephone Barmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer Norma Stockford on 07917 245882 or Regional Media Manager Danielle Rush on 07786 668829.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.