With an award winning rescue already under her belt, preparations are underway for the naming ceremony and service of dedication of the new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat this weekend.

The RNLI naming and service of dedication will take place at Prince Charles Quay in Cardigan this Saturday (3 May) as RNLI volunteers and supporters join together to officially name the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Albatross. The £214,000 inshore lifeboat has been kindly funded by Miss Sheila Margaret Foster from York. As an inland supporter, Miss Foster explains her reasons for supporting the charity that saves lives at sea:

‘Ever since I visited Filey and saw their lifeboat when I was five years old, I have had a great admiration and fondness for the RNLI. To think that those brave volunteer crews put their own lives at risk in order to save others is truly admirable. I have supported the RNLI all of my life, and I’m very proud to see Albatross on service in Cardigan.’

Albatross’ first call-out was a dramatic night-time rescue of two people trapped on a rocky ledge as large waves broke around them back. The September rescue resulted in three of the volunteer crew being recognised by the Institution for their heroic actions.

Cliff Griffiths, Cardigan RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:

‘The naming ceremony and service of dedication will not only welcome the new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Albatross to Ceredigion and into the RNLI fleet on Saturday, but it’s also a chance for the RNLI to thank Miss Foster for her generous support in saving lives at sea. The Atlantic 85 was called into action only a few weeks after her arrival in Cardigan, taking part in a dramatic rescue off Tresaith which resulted in saving two lives. Since then the volunteers have been kept busy responding to service calls and training.’

The Atlantic 85 is the most technologically advanced inshore lifeboat and was first introduced into the RNLI fleet in 2005. It is the first inshore lifeboat to have radar, which means it can operate more effectively in reduced visibility. It is also faster and bigger than its predecessor, with room for four crew members as well as more space for casualties.

Cardigan RNLI volunteers were called out on service 49 times last year, rescuing 32 people and saving seven lives.