Save the Only All-Weather Lifeboat in Ceredigion

“This puts lives at risk unnecessarily. As lifeboat crew members, we are happy to give our time voluntarily; all we ask for is the right equipment for the job.” - Volunteer RNLI crewman Huw.

To give you some background, the RNLI has decided to downgrade New Quay Lifeboat Station to an Inshore Lifeboat when the service life of its current All-Weather Lifeboat expires in 2020. The proposed new lifeboat will not be able to launch in bad weather (over force 7 in daylight or force 6 at night) whereas the current lifeboat can launch in any weather.

This doesn't just affect New Quay: The All-Weather Lifeboat also covers Cardigan, Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, Aberaeron, Llanon, and Aberystwyth. After 2020, there will be no All-Weather Lifeboats in the whole of Ceredigion, leaving a gap of 70 miles between the All-Weather stations of Barmouth and Fishguard. What this means is that the nearest All-Weather Lifeboat, even travelling at 25 knots, will take an hour and a quarter to reach some parts of Cardigan Bay.

We, the undersigned, call on the RNLI to retain the All-Weather Lifeboat capability of New Quay Lifeboat Station.

(Photo credit: Emyr Rhys Williams)