Bridlington RNLI receive a new inshore lifeboat

The new lifeboat is one of the RNLI’s D-Class inshore lifeboats. A highly manoeuvrable craft, able to perform rescues in shallow waters and close to harbour walls and rocks. This enables the volunteer crew to provide lifesaving assistance in areas where the larger all-weather lifeboat is unable to access.

The new lifeboat is funded using money left in the Will of Mr Ernest George Wellings, a supporter and pledger to the RNLI who passed away in March 2017.

Mr Wellings lived in Grantham but was originally from Worthing and he left a share of his residual estate for the provision of a lifeboat.

In recognition of this generous legacy, the new inshore lifeboat D-852 will be officially named the Ernie Wellings. A Station Naming Ceremony will take place at some point in the future, when coronavirus restrictions allow a fitting ceremony to be held.

RNLI Station Mechanic, Chris Brompton described how crucial the new lifeboat will be to Bridlington: ‘Our inshore lifeboat is a key part of our operation here at Bridlington, we launched the D-Class lifeboat a total of 16 times in 2020 and we’re very grateful to have a new one to ensure we can continue to provide this lifesaving coverage. Our volunteer crew would like to extend their thanks to the family of Mr Wellings for this gift in his Will.’

Bridlington’s former inshore lifeboat, the Windsor Spirit, has served the RNLI for over ten years and is now likely to be used as a part of the RNLI’s reserve fleet, or be used in training exercises at the RNLI College in Poole.

The RNLI can only continue to save lives at sea thanks to donations from the public. If you’d like to learn more about how leaving money in your Will can help the charity, please visit https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/leave-a-gift-in-your-will.

RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact William Gray, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or call:07816 134 712.

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.

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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.