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St Peter Port RNLI volunteers officially name their new inshore lifeboat

Lifeboats News Release

Family and friends gathered at the Old Lifeboat Slip on Friday afternoon in glorious sunshine to watch the official naming ceremony for St Peter Port RNLI's new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Harold Hobbs.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Jason Hobbs inviting Harold Hobbs son Tony Hobbs to name the boat

RNLI/Nicki Weetman

Tony Hobbs giving thanks
The lifeboat has been funded thanks to the generous residents of Guernsey. Invited guests gathered alongside volunteer crew and their families to watch the occasion.

Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group, Jim Le Pelley welcomed guests and opened the proceedings.

Adrian Carey, Head of Region handed the lifeboat into the care of the RNLI and Jason Hobbs, Lifeboat Operations Manager accepted the lifeboat on behalf of St Peter Port Lifeboat Station.

Then followed a service of dedication by the very Revered Tim Barker, before Tony Hobbs, son of Harold Hobbs, officially named the lifeboat. The service was brought to a close with a vote of thanks delivered by Andy Wright, Area Lifesaving Manager.

After the event, light refreshments were served in the Yacht Club where invited guest were able to meet the volunteer crew members.

Harold Hobbs was killed on 28 June 1940 while serving on the Guernsey Lifeboat, the Alfred and Clara Heath. He was shot by a German aircraft at the start of the occupation of the Channel Islands.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Jason Hobbs said: 'It was a great honour for me to be part of the naming ceremony of the new inshore lifeboat B-943 Harold Hobbs, and share the moment with my great uncle's son, Tony Hobbs, and his family.'
Tony Hobbs officially naming the boat Harold Hobbs

RNLI/Nicki Weetman

Naming of the inshore life boat
New inshore life boat Harold Hobbs and volunteer crew giving a demonstration of a rescue

RNLI/Nicki Weetman

Rescue demostration

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.

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