Conwy Lifeboat Station
An Inshore lifeboat was first stationed in Conwy by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1966.
The station currently operates a D-class (IB1) Inshore lifeboat, The May-Bob (D-765), on station since 2014.
History
In 1964, in response to an increasing amount of water-based leisure activity, the RNLI placed 25 small fast Inshore lifeboats around the country. These were easily launched with just a few people, ideal to respond quickly to local emergencies.
More stations were opened, and in May 1966, a lifeboat station was established at Conwy, with the arrival of a D-class (RFD PB16) Inshore lifeboat, the unnamed (D-97).
On the afternoon of 30 August 1970, the Conwy Inshore lifeboat (D-97) was launched into a force six-to-eight gale. On board were Brian Jones, Ronald Craven and Trevor Jones. Two men were rescued from the cabin cruiser Fulmar, which was in difficulties 1 mi (1.6 km) west of West Shore, Llandudno. Shortly after the men were retrieved to the lifeboat, the Fulmer was wrecked and broke up on the rocks. The three lifeboat crew were each awarded 'The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum' for their service.
On the 14 April 1985, construction began of a new boathouse and station building for Conwy lifeboat. The station, on Lower Gate Street, which provided storage, much improved crew facilities, and a retail outlet, was formally opened by Mayor of Conwy Capt. S. R. Roberts, TD, on 29 July 1985.
At a naming ceremony on 9 September 1995 in Conwy harbour, Miss Joan Bate, sister of the late Mr Arthur Bate, named the new Conwy lifeboat in honour of its donor, whose legacy had funded the lifeboat. The D-class (EA16) Inshore Lifeboat Arthur Bate (D-482) was formally accepted by Lt. Cdr. Brian Miles, director, on behalf of the RNLI, and handed over to the care of Conwy Lifeboat Station.
After serving for nine years, the Arthur Bate was retired, and replaced with another lifeboat funded from the same legacy. Arthur Bate II (D-627) was a new type D-class (IB1), and arrived on service in 2004.
The latest Inshore lifeboat to be placed at Conwy arrived on 19 March 2014. Funded by the bequests of Miss Mavis Kane, and her father Robert Kane, the lifeboat was duly named The May-Bob (D-765). The May-Bob is scheduled for replacement in 2024.
Conwy Lifeboat Station celebrated their 50th Anniversary on 18 Jun 2016. Key to the celebrations was Lifeboat Operations Manager Trever Jones, who joined the station when it first opened in 1966, aged 22.
Station honours
The following are awards made at Conwy
- The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum
- Brian Jones - 1970
- Ronald Craven - 1970
- Trevor Jones - 1970
Conwy lifeboats
Inshore lifeboats
| Op.No. | Name | In service | Class | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-97 | Unnamed | 1966–1971 | D-class (RFD PB16) | |
| D-205 | Unnamed | 1971–1976 | D-class (Zodiac III) | |
| D-239 | Unnamed | 1976–1987 | D-class (Zodiac III) | |
| D-346 | Unnamed | 1987–1995 | D-class (EA16) | |
| D-482 | Arthur Bate | 1995–2004 | D-class (EA16) | |
| D-627 | Arthur Bate II | 2004–2014 | D-class (IB1) | |
| D-765 | The May-Bob | 2014– | D-class (IB1) |
- ^ Op.No. is the RNLI's Operational Number carried on the hull or vehicle.
See also
References
- ^ "Conwy's station history". RNLI. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 4–132.
- ^ "Inshore Rescue Boats". The Lifeboat. XXXVIII (407): 3. March 1964. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Rescue Awards". The Lifeboat. XLII (434): 29. January 1971. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Davidson, Tom (18 May 2016). "As Conwy RNLI looks forward to its 50th anniversary its first volunteer recalls those early days". Daily Post. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Rush, Danielle (10 May 2016). "Conwy RNLI gears up to celebrate half a century of saving lives". RNLI. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "A September of ceremonies..." (PDF). The Lifeboat. 54 (534): 90. Winter 1995. Retrieved 20 September 2024.