Ex-lifeboats celebrated by RNLI

Wednesday 13th June 2012

Former lifeboats will be sailing towards Cornwall this weekend for an annual event celebrating lifesaving vessels of the past.

Privately owned former lifeboats from across the South West will descend on Fowey for the 16th annual RNLI ex-lifeboat rally.

The event held by the charity, which saves lives at sea, hopes to attract ex-lifeboat crews from as far afield as Portishead near Bristol and Salcombe in Devon.

Vessels including the former Looe rowing lifeboat, Ryder, will be on display for the public at Berrill's Yard pontoon, opposite Fowey RNLI Lifeboat Station.

RNLI crew volunteer and event organiser Bob Harris said: "These ex lifeboats represent the extraordinary life-saving history of our charity and the commitment of the crew volunteers who have gone before us.

"It's always an honour to welcome them and their owners to the port for this very special event. I would urge people to come along as this provides a rare opportunity to take a closer look at these historic lifeboats and to talk to those who work hard to maintain them for future generations to enjoy."

The day will be attended by the RNLI sea safety team, the National Coastwatch Institution and Fowey Boatwatch. It will also include a barbecue and refreshments.

The free event will take place from 11am to 4pm on June 16.

Editor's note: This event has now been cancelled, see http://www.mediatrust.org/newswirefeed/social-lifeboats-1306-social-lifeboats, for updated story.

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