The New Moelfre Lifeboat

It's now some five or six years since the first Tamar Class Lifeboat began service at Tenby.   Since then I have looked forward to seeing on of these impressive boats stationed at Moelfre.   Today it actually happened.   The event coincided with the opening of a revamped Seawatch Maritime Museum in Moelfre.

The arrival of RNLB Kiwi was to be at 2.30pm.   However, there was a half hour delay and she arrived at 3.00pm.   Once she was on her way from Amlwch where she had berthed in readiness for her big moment at Moelfre, the old Moelfre lifeboat, Robert and Violet launched and set out to meet Kiwi to escort her into Moelfre.   It was not long before the pair appeared round the headland and we were able to see the fastest slipway boat in the RNLI.

The two lifeboats criss-crossed in front of the crowd of hundreds of people and the Kiwi then showed her ability to stop and start quickly as well as do a 360 degree turn.   As she sailed past us the crew were waving, proud to bring her home from Poole, Dorset, where all lifeboats start their first journey.

After some manoeuvring, the two boats were bow to bow before us.   It was then that prayers were said to bless the new craft and those who would sail in her to rescue those in danger.   The priest stood on the bow of the old lifeboat with two crew members ready in case he slipped.   He was dressed in cassock and surplice but with the addition of a safety harness.

I was pleased to be there to welcome Kiwi.   I hope she will offer another 25 years of service to those who sail near Anglesey.   God bless her.