Today HRH Prince William of Wales and his future wife Kate Middleton will be guests of honour at the naming ceremony for new RNLI lifeboat at Trearddur Bay in Anglesey
The Atlantic
85 inshore lifeboat named
Hereford Endeavour will be launched during the ceremony as the crew demonstrates some of her rescue capabilities to Prince William and Kate Middleton and guests.
The lifeboat station at Trearddur Bay was first opened in 1967. Since then, RNLI volunteers have launched the lifeboat 873 times and saved 202 lives.
Christopher Pritchard, senior helmsman, said, ‘Having Prince William and Miss Middleton name our new lifeboat is especially significant to us. As Prince William is a pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force just down the road at RAF Valley, we also welcome him as a colleague who works with us to save lives at sea.’
The Atlantic 85 is the most advanced inshore lifeboat produced by the RNLI. She can reach speeds of up to 35 knots and is fitted with a radar system, radio direction finding equipment and a sophisticated chart-plotter to aid search and rescue operations, particularly in low visibility. The new boat will also be able to carry more casualties than her predecessor.
Paul Boissier, RNLI chief executive, said, ‘We are delighted to welcome Prince William and Miss Middleton to Trearddur Bay. We have a proud history of royal patronage and are honoured that Prince William and Miss Middleton will be continuing that tradition.’
Photo: RNLI / Nick Leach
