Barry Dock RNLI’s new Shannon Class lifeboat officially on service

At 10am on Sunday 9 June, Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station’s Shannon class lifeboat – Richard and Caroline Colton II began its service with the volunteer crew starting a new chapter in the station’s history.

The Shannon class lifeboat began its journey being built at the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole. It was launched in January this year, before undergoing sea trials and embarking on the four-day passage from Poole to Barry.

Crowds welcomed the crew and their new boat into Whitmore Bay on 17 March. Since then, the crew have undertaken extensive training to upskill and learn how to operate the new lifeboat.

Andy Gavan, Coxswain of Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat said:

'For over two decades our Trent all-weather lifeboat, RNLB Inner Wheel II has served Barry Dock, the Bristol Channel and the community. We are incredibly proud and humbled of the service that our lifeboat has given. Fair winds and following seas.

'After weeks of extensive training by Barry Dock RNLI volunteers, all the hard work has paid off as the Shannon class lifeboat is officially placed on service.

'Welcoming Richard and Caroline Colton II all-weather lifeboat to Barry Dock in March was a momentous and memorable occasion, and since then the volunteer crew have worked tirelessly to learn new skills and become competent in operating the Shannon class lifeboat.

'I would like to thank all the crew and their families for their unwavering commitment and dedication – this has truly been a team effort.'

Ryan Jennings RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead said:

‘The Shannon class lifeboat beginning its service is a very exciting development for all at Barry Dock. The extremely generous donations from Richard Colton and the Myristicia Trust funded this state-of-the-art lifeboat and has contributed the continuation of RNLI lifesaving operations in the area.

‘Since its arrival, the volunteer lifeboat crew have undertaken intensive training to become operationally competent on their new boat - Richard and Caroline Colton II.

‘This is an exciting new chapter in Barry Dock RNLI’s longstanding history, and I look forward to witnessing the success of the crew going forward on their mission to saving lives at sea.’

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.

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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