New Coxswain for Pwllheli RNLI

Pwllheli RNLI is proud to announce that volunteer crew member Anton Hook has officially passed out as coxswain of the station’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, the Smith Brothers.

Anton’s achievement marks the culmination of five years of dedication, training, and commitment to saving lives at sea. Joining the RNLI in 2020, Anton began his journey as a volunteer lifeboat crew member before qualifying as a helm on the D-class inshore lifeboat, the Robert J Wright. His determination and leadership have now led him to this top operational role.

The coxswain is responsible for commanding the all-weather lifeboat during search and rescue operations and training, making critical decisions in often challenging and unpredictable conditions. They lead the crew, ensure the safety of all on board, and carry ultimate responsibility for the success of every tasking the lifeboat undertakes.

Speaking about his new role, Anton Hook said:

‘Becoming coxswain is a huge honour and a real privilege. I joined Pwllheli RNLI crew five years ago with limited sea-going experience, but through the RNLI’s excellent training and the shared knowledge within the station, I’ve learned so much. I’m incredibly proud of this achievement, but it doesn’t stop here.’

‘A huge thank you to the crew for giving up their personal time and constantly supporting one another. It’s an honour to serve my local community alongside such a dedicated team. As one crew, we move onwards and upwards together.’

Alongside his RNLI volunteering, Anton is also taking part in ‘Movember’ this year together with several other Pwllheli RNLI crew members. They are raising awareness and funds for men’s health, highlighting the importance of supporting mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer research. Their participation reflects the crew's strong camaraderie and commitment to making a positive impact both at sea and within the wider community.

Pwllheli RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Andy Vowell added:

‘Anton’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His progression from a newcomer with little maritime experience to a coxswain on our all-weather lifeboat in such a short time is remarkable. We’re incredibly proud to have him as part of our team.’

Pwllheli RNLI’s volunteer crew remain on call day and night, ready to respond whenever their pagers sound.

-ENDS-

Notes to editor

Pwllheli lifeboat station has been operating since 1891. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/pwllheli-lifeboat-station

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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and around 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.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.