Urgent call-out holds up Blackpool lifeboat ceremony

Posted: July 1, 2013

Posted in: Public Place Accidents 

Blackpool’s lifeboat station was on the cusp of launching their new lifeboat on Saturday, when an emergency call temporarily delayed the ceremony.  Around 100 RNLI charity volunteers and supporters attended the ceremony, which had to come to a temporary halt so that the distress call could be answered and handled.

Two adults and two children had become trapped in the sea, requiring urgent assistance.  Crews quickly managed the situation and all family members were safely rescued.

Generous legacy of Mr William Seed

The £204,000 lifeboat (an Atlantic 85 B class inshore lifeboat) was funded by the generous legacy of Mr William Seed.  After passing away in 2009, Mr Seed – from Stockport – left the RNLI an incredibly generous legacy, to fund a lifeboat in memory of himself and his sister Eleanor.  The ceremony saw the Blackpool station accepting the lifeboat ‘William and Eleanor’, and a service of dedication was led by Reverend Tracy Charnock. 

The carriage and the alterations needed at the boathouse, which were required to accommodate the lifeboat, were also funded by an individual’s legacy.  Ronald Austin Whittingham, who died in 2009, was a great supporter of the RNLI and his legacy has helped fund projects in 8 different lifeboat stations across England.

The £204,000 lifeboat is the most technologically advanced inshore lifeboat in the RNLI fleet.  It has many advanced features, including radar – meaning they can better operate in reduced visibility.  The lifeboat is also bigger and faster than its predecessors, meaning that casualties can be reached quicker and can be provided with more space.  The lifeboat can now hold 4 crew members on board.

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