Port Isaac RNLI’s new inshore D-Class lifeboat is officially named

The event wasn’t thwarted by the gales and torrential rain with the ceremony being moved into the boathouse. Invited guests and onlookers crowded into the station and made it a wonderful atmosphere.

Chairman Bob Bulgin BEM summarises the fundraising for the D class lifeboat: ‘The boat arrived at the station in October 2019, and has been funded through community fundraising. On 16^th November 2017 an agreement was reached with RNLI HQ that an appeal should be mounted in order to raise funds for the forthcoming replacement lifeboat, the current boat, Copeland Bell D-707 having served on station for over 11 years of operational life during which time many rescues have been recorded. The target of £52,000 was agreed so it was then a question of “all hands to the task”. Committee and Crew put maximum effort into fund raising both by event planning and calling on the support of many established friends of the station. Owing to this support and the generosity shown, both large and small (every penny counts) this target was reached by October 2018 thereby ensuring the replacement boat’s future life at Port Isaac Station. Since this time the Appeal has been further extended so as to help fund the further development of associated facilities and now stands at £82,000.’

Damien Bolton, Senior Helm opened the ceremony by thanking those who attended, he said:

‘It gives me great pleasure to welcome you today in the boathouse for our naming ceremony of the new D-Class lifeboat. As well as celebrating the naming of the new lifeboat, this event gives us the chance to say a very warm thank you to all the donors who have so generously contributed.’

The service was led by Reverend Elizabeth Wild who gave thanks for the lifeboat with the dedication:

‘ We dedicate her to His service and seek protection for the lifeboat and the crews who operate her during their service in the RNLI.’

The lifeboat was then handed over by Cornish bard and member of the community Jon Cleave, to Simon Sharrard Vice President of the RNLI. The boat was accepted onto the station by Lifeboat Operations Manager Chris Bolton.

Tim Hambly, a bard of the Cornish Gorsedh commended the addition of the Cornish language in the name of the new D-Class lifeboat, he said:

‘I think it’s great that Port Isaac RNLI have decided to name the lifeboat in the Cornish language as well as in English. The Cornish language is a very important part of Cornwall’s distinctive Celtic heritage.’

Bob Bulgin BEM, Lifeboat Station Chairman, and Jon Cleave then named the lifeboat Pride of Port Isaac (Goeth Portusek) D-843.

There were readings from crew and in typical Port Isaac fashion there was plenty of music with the St Minver Silver Band and performances from Port Isaac Chorale; The Gulls and the Fisherman’s Friends bringing the ceremony to a close. Commodore Jamie Miller CBE RN gave the Vote of Thanks to everyone who contributed to the fundraising for the boat and all who made the ceremony such an enjoyable event. Invited guests were then hosted at the Chapel Café for some wonderful food and refreshments.

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.