FLAGS and bunting fluttered in the breeze, crowds erupted in cheers, and a lively jazz band set the tone as the newest member of the RNLI’s fleet sailed triumphantly into harbour today. A spectacular flotilla of local lifeboats accompanied the majestic £2.5m Shannon class lifeboat, proudly named the Roy Baker V, on its journey from Poole, via Brixham, Newlyn, Dunmore East in Ireland, and Pwllheli, before finally gracing New Quay’s shores on this glorious Sunday, June 25, at precisely 13.48 – a time that coincided perfectly with its distinguished hull number.
This remarkable vessel, acquired following an arduous campaign to secure an all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, was welcomed by a sea of boats, including the valiant lifeboats from Fishguard and Cardigan, with whom the New Quay crew may well join forces during daring rescue missions.
The arrival of the Roy Barker V represents the triumphant outcome of an extensive fundraising endeavor and tireless advocacy by the local community. In 2017, the RNLI initially planned to replace New Quay’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat with an inshore Atlantic 85, a decision that sparked discontent among the station’s supporters. Situated along one of the most expansive stretches of the West Wales Coast, spanning from Barmouth to Fishguard, New Quay would have been left without an all-weather lifeboat for the first time since the 19th century, had the plan been executed.
However, spurred into action, the determined residents of New Quay rallied together and established the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign in response to the announcement. This group fervently campaigned to raise awareness about the critical importance of maintaining an all-weather lifeboat at the town’s esteemed lifeboat station, the sole one in the county.
Throngs of onlookers witnessed the New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team lending their unwavering support to their esteemed RNLI colleagues as they attended the arrival of the RNLI Shannon All-Weather Lifeboat at New Quay Harbour. Their presence was rewarded with a breathtaking display of RNLI lifeboats and pleasure crafts, adorning the ocean with an awe-inspiring spectacle.
“This was an immensely proud day for New Quay. Congratulations to all those involved in making this momentous occasion a reality. Da iawn!” expressed the elated New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team.
In a stunning turn of events in 2021, the RNLI announced the reversal of their earlier decision, much to the delight of the community. As the sun dipped towards the horizon on Sunday, June 25, the highly anticipated arrival of the brand-new Roy Barker V bestowed a renewed sense of pride upon New Quay, ensuring the safety and security of the town’s seafaring population for years to come.
Roger Couch, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at New Quay says:
‘Seeing our new Shannon class lifeboat sailing into sight is something that will stay with me for a very long time. This really does signify the beginning of a new era of lifesaving at New Quay RNLI. The amount of people who had turned out to welcome her home really does speak volumes for the support we have in this community for which we are incredibly grateful.
‘It’s been a long passage for the crew on their route back to New Quay but I know they’ll have taken this time to get acquainted with this faster and more capable 25 knot lifeboat. It’s going to be a long and difficult few weeks ensuring all our volunteers are fully trained on our new lifeboat, but it’s a challenge, I know we’ll all relish.’
The community celebrated the historic occasion with a party on the pier, the highlight of which was the new lifeboat entering view. It was an emotional sight for fundraisers who have worked tirelessly to support efforts to raise an appeal to raise over £100,000 to pay for crew training and transportation cost for the Shannon.
After delighting crowds with her presence, the Shannon was recovered onto New Quay beach, watched by crowds of onlookers. Then the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLRS) was put into action to safety recover the new lifeboat and introduce her to her new home.
New Quay’s RNLI Coxswain had the important role of bringing the Shannon home. It was a historic moment for Dan Potter, who has been an operational volunteer on three different classes of lifeboat – the Watson class lifeboat – the Mersey and now the Shannon.
He says: ‘Bringing this lifeboat home to New Quay is one of the greatest honour of my RNLI career. It was a humbling and incredibly emotional experience which will stay with me for a very long time. The passage was challenging and we all learned so much, but the pinnacle just had to be seeing the crowds who had turned out to welcome us home.
Whilst the Mersey class lifeboat has served us well, this modern faster and more capable will help us to save more lives of the coast of Ceredigion. We are incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received in making today happen.’
