Wells-next-the-Sea welcomes new lifeboat
15th June 2023
RNLI president HRH the Duke of Kent was in Wells-next-the-Sea recently for the dedication and naming ceremony of the town’s new lifeboat station, Shannon-class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh and SLARS launch and recovery rig.
The state-of-the-art lifeboat was named in commemoration of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh’s long-standing commitment to maritime services, and to recognise a lifetime of support to the RNLI’s longest-serving patron, Queen Elizabeth II.
The new Shannon-class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh was officially named by RNLI president HRH the Duke of Kent at Wells-next-the-Sea.
The Duke of Kent officially named the lifeboat, with RNLI vice president Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence naming the launch and recovery rig after its principal donor, Patricia Jean Bettany.
RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: “We are delighted our president HRH the Duke of Kent has joined us today. The Duke’s warmth, generosity and understanding of our lifesaving work is incredibly valued by this charity, and the time His Royal Highness spends with each volunteer is greatly appreciated by the institution.”
Chris Hardy, Wells RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager, said: “Saturday heralded a new chapter of lifesaving for Wells RNLI. It was a momentous occasion and was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the
new lifeboat station, lifeboat and launch and recovery system – and the sunshine was an extra blessing.”
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