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Fishguard RNLI celebrates new volunteer mechanic

Lifeboats News Release

A volunteer crew member of the Fishguard lifeboat has successfully passed the assessment to become the latest crew mechanic.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer mechanic Rhys Stilwell in front of the all-weather Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII following his first exercise as mechanic.

RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers

Fishguard RNLI volunteer mechanic Rhys Stilwell in front of the all-weather Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII following his first exercise as mechanic.
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Fishguard volunteer Rhys Stilwell joined the crew in 2018, crewing on both the inshore
and all-weather lifeboats based at Fishguard. In that time he has spent a significant
time at sea, including being involved in 48 service launches. Locals will recognise Rhys
also from the many hours he puts into other local charity work in the community.
Recently he made the decision to further develop his skills and take up the challenge to
become a qualified mechanic on the charity's Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter
VII.

The role of mechanic is vital to saving lives at sea as one is required on board each
time the boat goes afloat. Their role includes starting up, monitoring and shutting down
the engines and electronic systems. They will also operate the VHF radio, receiving
information from and updating HM Coastguard about the vessel’s movements.
As mechanic they will also be familiar with troubleshooting mechanical/electrical issues
whilst at sea, as well as operating the onboard emergency systems.

Following months of training with the current full-time mechanic Chris and attending
courses at the RNLI College in Poole, Rhys was ready to undertake the four hour
assessment including two hours at sea which culminated in an emergency drill for
dealing with a fire onboard the lifeboat.

Having successfully passed the assessment, Rhys is now able to support Chris in his
role and provide volunteer mechanic cover at RNLI Fishguard as well as other stations
who operate the same class of lifeboat.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer all-weather lifeboat mechanic Rhys Stilwell, said:

‘I initially joined the crew as I live nearby and it was a way I could help the community.
As time has progressed, I’ve been able to use my skills to help more, and now as a
passed-out mechanic I can provide valuable support to the station.
A big thank you to Chris for the time and effort he has put into my training and
familiarisation with the boat, with over 30 years of service she’s an old vessel and
there’s always potential for something to go wrong, but here’s hoping for smooth
sailing.’

The station wishes to convey its congratulations and thanks to Rhys for rising to the
challenge of this role, he has proven himself to be a real credit to his station and his
whole community.

Notes to editor:
• The attached photo (Photo1) shows the Fishguard RNLI volunteer mechanic
Rhys Stilwell in front of the all-weather Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII
following his first exercise as mechanic. (Wednesday 3 September 2025) Photo
credit: RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on
[email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire
Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional
Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829
For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789

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.

About the author

Cedwyn Rogers
Lifeboat Press Officer, Fishguard

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