
Blackpool RNLI volunteers celebrate lifeboat naming ceremony
Blackpool RNLI volunteers hosted a wonderful celebration on Saturday (1 April 2023) when their two D class lifeboats were officially named.
The lifeboats D-862 Phyllis Rowan and D-864 Blackpool Endeavour arrived at the lifeboat station in April 2022 and have already launched to 88 emergencies, saved eight lives and assisted 22 people but this weekend saw them officially named.
D-862 Phyllis Rowan was funded by an incredibly generous legacy from Brian Rowan who named the lifeboat in memory of his mother. Brian was a keen supporter of the RNLI and during holidays in St Ives always visited the lifeboat station. Brian was a very kind man who is sadly missed by his many friends.
While D-862 was funded by an individual, D-864 Blackpool Endeavour was funded by a tremendous community effort. Blackpool Lifeboat Station was set the challenge of raising the funding for one of the two D Class lifeboats. Local residents, businesses and visitors to Blackpool have always been very generous in support of the station and the opportunity to directly contribute to a new lifeboat for the town was rapidly taken up.
Despite the limitations imposed by COVID the fundraising team reached their target quickly; energised by a substantial donation from Beaverbrooks Jewellers, a number of anonymous donations, and a multiplicity of public donations, both large and small. The choice of boat name specifically reflects the support received from Blackpool’s public and the important role that Blackpool Lifeboat Station continues to play in supporting the town.
Blackpool Lifeboat Operations Manager, David Warburton, said:
‘The naming ceremony was a very proud day for everyone associated with Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station. We are incredibly fortunate that, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have these wonderful lifeboats that bring our volunteer crewmembers, and the casualties that need them, home safely time and time again.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Esther Lowe Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, RNLI Blackpool telephone 07917091948 or email [email protected]
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.