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Clifden RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat named St Christopher

Lifeboats News Release

A special ceremony and service of dedication was held today (Saturday 22 April) at Clifden RNLI, when the Connemara lifeboat station’s new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, St Christopher, was officially named.

The family of Christopher Harris with lifeboat crew from Clifden RNLI

RNLI/Andrew Downes

The family of Christopher Harris with lifeboat crew from Clifden RNLI

The lifeboat, which went on service in May last year, was funded by a legacy from Christopher Harris, in admiration for the lifesaving work of the RNLI.

The lifeboat has been named St Christopher, as per his family’s wishes and reflects his lifelong love of travel. Born in March 1939, Christopher was evacuated during the war but returned to live with his aunt who ran a farm. Upon qualifying as an accountant, marrying and starting a family, he combined his career with travel, before eventually settling in Surrey. He had a strong calling to look after others and it is believed this is what influenced his support for the work of the RNLI.

During the ceremony, the lifeboat was handed into the care of the RNLI by Christopher’s daughter, Phillipa Harris. RNLI Director of Fundraising Jayne George accepted the lifeboat from the donor before then passing it to Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain, who accepted it on behalf of the Galway station. The lifeboat was officially named by Gill Hinton, another of Christopher’s daughters. Commenting on naming of the St Christopher, Philippa Harris said ‘We’re incredibly proud to be here on behalf of our father, Christopher Harris, and we’re so happy that the boat will be used by such brave and generous people, as the RNLI volunteer crew.’

In her remarks RNLI Director of Fundraising Jayne George said, ‘Everybody does something that makes the RNLI what it is and we pay tribute to all that you do today. We are indebted to Christopher Harris, who so generously funded this lifeboat, because without people like him, we could not do the work that we do.’

Speaking at the event, Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain said, ‘This is a proud day for everyone at Clifden RNLI, for our families and the local community. We are honoured to be the custodians of this magnificent lifeboat, which will save many lives on this part of the coast and which will bring our lifeboat crews home safe in all weathers. It is an incredible gift to give a community. We have a very special community here in West Connemara - in the lifetime of this station, our fishing community, local businesses, friends and supporters, has never let us down. From fund-raising to donations of services and all manner of dig outs, whatever we have asked for, our community has delivered. I am incredibly proud that this new state of the art Lifeboat is here in Clifden.

He added, ‘Our thanks to the late Christopher Harris and to his family, some of whom have travelled here for this occasion. There will always be a welcome for Christopher’s family and friends at Clifden RNLI.’

RNLI Head of Region Anna Classon said, ‘Congratulations to everyone involved with this wonderful occasion. This lifeboat is a huge addition to lifesaving on the west coast of Ireland. Behind every lifeboat is a team of people working together to ensure that when the call for help comes, the response is immediate. To all the lifeboat volunteers, shore crew, station management, fundraisers and donors, this day is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment.’

Tributes were also paid to Saul Joyce and Bernard Whelan who were the first two volunteers to join Clifden RNLI back in 1989 and who retired earlier this year.

The €2.7million Shannon class lifeboat is the most recent class of all-weather lifeboat to join the RNLI fleet. It is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, making it more agile and manoeuvrable.

Following the ceremony, the public had an opportunity to view the lifeboat, which is usually moored afloat, up close. The lifeboat was brought onto Clifden beach to allow the public to view the names of over 10,000 loved ones, which were pledged on the lifeboat, through a special fundraising initiative. ‘Launch a Memory, which was run by the charity back in 2020.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

Daughters of Christopher Harris, Philippa Harris and Gil Hinton with Clifden RNLI Cox James Mullen

RNLI/Andrew Downes

Daughters of Christopher Harris, Philippa Harris and Gil Hinton with Clifden RNLI Cox James Mullen
Clifden RNLI Mechanic Joe Acton with Coxswain James Mullen pour champagne on naming of St Christopher

RNLI/Andrew Downes

Clifden RNLI Mechanic Joe Acton with Coxswain James Mullen pour champagne on naming of St Christopher
Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain

RNLI/Andrew Downes

Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain
RNLI Fundraising Director Jayne George

RNLI/Andrew Downes

RNLI Fundraising Director Jayne George
Clifden RNLI All-Weather Shannon class lifeboat St Christopher

RNLI/Andrew Downes

Clifden RNLI All-Weather Shannon class lifeboat St Christopher

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.