Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew welcomes brand new B-Class lifeboat
Newquay RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew welcomes brand new B-Class lifeboat replacing the charity’s existing 15 year old lifeboat, Glady Mildred.
Several of the volunteer crew were on hand to accept the new lifeboat and get her ready for her sea trials. Mechanic Tim Stokes checked the new lifeboat in and supervised the transfer of kit from the outgoing lifeboat, Gladys Mildred B-821, which has been on service at Newquay Lifeboat Station since 29 October 2007. Tim, who is also a boat crew member, undertook the sea trial along with three other volunteer crew members, and was delighted to confirm the new lifeboat, which is to be named Uncle Johnny B-936, had performed perfectly on the sea trial.
Gareth Horner, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘We are extremely grateful for the generous donation which has funded this lifeboat for Newquay RNLI. As we welcome this new asset, there is also a sense of nostalgia as we bid farewell to the Gladys Mildred.
‘This is a very proud day for our crew and the station team and we are looking forward to meeting and thanking the donors later in the year at the official naming ceremony.
The B class lifeboat is 8.44m long, has a normal crew of four and a survivor capacity of 20 persons. Twin 115hp Yamaha outboard engines produce a top speed of 35 knots and it has a range/endurance of three hours maximum. A new B class lifeboat costs £285,000 (including building, delivery and crew training) with a through life cost of £841,000 (cost for its entire useful life including refits and maintenance).
The Gladys Mildred will now be returned to the RNLI and a decision will be made regarding her future. Gladys Mildred arrived at Newquay Lifeboat station in October 2007 and during that time 75% of taskings resulted in her being launched.
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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