Fishguard RNLI Lifeboat station welcomes new Mechanic
Chris Thomas, 41, is to become the new full-time mechanic at Fishguard RNLI lifeboat station after serving as an assistant mechanic for the charity’s lifeboat station for five years.
Chris will take over from Stephen (Hose) Philips who will retire from his post next month. Stephen, known locally as ‘Hose’ due this former role as fireman will this month begin a detailed handover to Chris.
'Hose' joined the crew in 1997 so has completed 25 years' service. He joined the RNLI as a crew member, later became 2nd Coxswain and was made full-time mechanic in Feb 2005.
Following a family tradition as mechanics for the charity Chris Thomas became the full-time mechanic on 8 August. His father was the assistant mechanic for the RNLI during the 1970s.
Born and raised in Dinas Cross, near Fishguard and now living in Goodwick Chris is excited to be the full-time mechanic. Speaking about the new role, Chris said:
‘I'm delighted to be joining the Fishguard lifeboat crew on a full-time basis and to serving the Fishguard & Goodwick community for the foreseeable future.’
Fishguard RNLI lifeboat station has a rich history of outstanding crew with the likes of Coxswain Francis George who was honoured by Her Majesty The Queen, in the 2003 New Year’s Honours List with an MBE for services to the Institution.
Chris hopes to continue this as he takes on his new role at Fishguard.
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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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