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Fishguard RNLI welcomes announcement of new lifesaving asset

Lifeboats News Release

A new, modern class of lifeboat will find a home at Fishguard RNLI following the latest announcement by the RNLI on their 2040 Fleet Strategy.

The new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design which Fishguard station will receive in 2028.

RNLI

The new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design which Fishguard station will receive in 2028.
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Following the public announcement by the RNLI, it can be confirmed that Fishguard RNLI is to receive a new lifesaving asset under the 2040 Fleet Strategy.
After a review of operational and rescue data collected by the RNLI it has been determined that there has been a shift in demand on the lifesaving service and the types of incident that the charity’s volunteers attend, particularly an increase in the use of the coast for swimming and paddlesports.
As a result the RNLI needs to evolve in line with the demand placed upon it.

On Monday 5 October 2026, volunteers from all areas of Fishguard RNLI gathered at the station for a meeting with representatives of the regional management team to see what those changes will look like locally.

A key part of the change across the RNLI is the introduction of the new Coastal Lifeboat, which saw a selection process shaped by volunteer input. This modern 11 metre, self righting vessel is equipped with the latest marine technology and will be propelled by water jets, similar to those on the existing Shannon class lifeboat. This makes the vessel more manoeuvrable and able to access shallower water with its optimal area of operation being within 10 nautical miles of the coast, while retaining the capability to operate up to 25 nautical miles offshore. She will also be
faster than our current boat, capable of a top speed of 35 knots (40mph) allowing more rapid response times.

Fishguard RNLI is confirmed as one of the stations selected to receive a new Coastal Lifeboat. The existing D-class inshore lifeboat will remain on station, and paired with the new asset provides the most appropriate lifesaving capability for the area.
Our volunteers will continue to work closely with flanking stations at New Quay, Cardigan and St Davids to provide the most effective lifesaving cover across South Cardigan Bay, as well as working with other emergency services when required.
Last year the RNLI also announced that all Trent-class all-weather lifeboats (ALB) will leave service by the end of 2028.
For our station, this means eventually saying goodbye to Blue Peter VII. Arriving in 1994 she was funded by the 1993 Blue Peter “Pieces of Eight” appeal, and she remains the only all-weather lifeboat to carry the iconic Blue Peter name.
By the time she leaves us, she will have given 34 years of service to the station—a remarkable testament to the skill and dedication of generations of volunteer crew and station coxswains and mechanics.

Blue Peter VII is a special part of the history of Fishguard lifeboat station and the wider local heritage. When the time comes, the station hopes to be able to give her the farewell that her years of service deserve.
Until then, volunteers will continue to train on and operate the assets available.

Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers, said:

‘As caretakers of one of the oldest assets in the RNLI fleet we knew that our Trent class ALB was approaching retirement, and as a crew we welcome this announcement from our CEO Peter Sparkes.
At a local level we have seen first hand the change in frequency and nature of incidents which we are called upon to attend. The announcement that we are to receive the new Coastal Lifeboat represents an exciting new chapter for the station, one where we are equipped with modern assets to deal with contemporary demand.’

‘Blue Peter VII has been such an iconic feature of our community for over 30 years, and we sincerely hope when the time comes that everyone will help give her a memorable send off.’

Notes to editor:

• Attached photo (Photo 1) shows the new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design which Fishguard station will receive in 2028. Image credit: RNLI
• Attached photo (Photo 2) shows the current Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII stationed at Fishguard will retire in 2028. (20 February 2024) Photo credit: RNLI/Nigel Millard
• Attched photo (Photo 3) shows the view of the stern of the new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design. Image credit: RNLI.

• The original national news release from the RNLI can be found at the following address: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/october/12/rnli-evolving-to-meet-lifesaving-demand

• The news release from the RNLI for Wales can be found at the following address: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/october/12/rnli-in-wales-evolving-to-meet-lifesaving-demand

RNLI/Nigel Millard

The current Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII stationed at Fishguard will retire in 2028.
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View of the stern of the new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design.

RNLI

View of the stern of the new RNLI Coastal Lifeboat design.
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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