Little and Broad Haven RNLI Officially Name New Lifeboat
Little and Broad Haven RNLI’s new lifeboat has been officially named and accepted into the care of the RNLI at a ceremony on Saturday (19 July 2025).
The new D-Class lifeboat has been officially named D-899 Swaine Legane, with the naming ceremony and dedication taking place on sunny Saturday afternoon from 12.00pm at the Little and Broad Haven RNLI boathouse.
The lifeboat has been funded by the Laurence Misener Charitable Trust, which was founded by Laurence Misener, then managing director of the Savile Row tailors Anderson and Sheppard. The Trust’s first trustee was his solicitor John Cama, whose interest in maritime affairs was sparked by his previous service in the Royal Navy. His succeeding Trustees were Captain George Swaine, and Mr Cama’s daughter, Jill Legane, who have given their names to the new lifeboat and Ms Legane was present to hand D-899 into the care of the RNLI.
Little and Broad Haven RNLI Boathouse Manager, Andy Grey, opened proceedings by welcoming guests and introducing the naming ceremony as a chance for the donors to welcome the lifeboat into service.
Jo Partner, RNLI Head of Region Wales, West & Isle of Man, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI, handing it into the care of Little and Broad Haven station. Jo said of the occasion ‘It is an honour to be here at Little and Broad Haven and I’m thrilled to be accepting this lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI. D-class lifeboats really are the workhorse of the RNLI and this lifesaving asset is perfectly suited to the risk profile of this area of the Pembrokeshire coastline. I know the crew at Little and Broad Haven will take exceptionally good care of their new vessel. As a charity we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the donor who has kindly funded this new lifeboat. Without the generosity of the public, our volunteer crew would not be able to continue saving lives at sea. Naming ceremonies are a proud day for our communities and an important day to thank everyone for their continued support which keeps our lifesaving service afloat. I wish the crew every success in their new lifeboat.’
Ian Thomas, Lifeboat Operations Manager accepted the lifeboat on behalf of Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station, with a speech of thanks. Ian said of the occasion ‘we are extremely grateful to Ms Jill Legane and Captain George Swaine, who have generously donated the funding for this lifeboat. It is important that when we are asking our volunteers to go to sea, often in difficult conditions, that we ensure they are properly equipped and trained to do so. The arrival of this new boat enables us to keep our equipment and assets up to date, giving then the best support we can helping them to keep safe’.
The Venerable Archdeacon Paul Mackness led a Service of Dedication, giving thanks for the new lifeboat D-899, blessing all who will serve in her during her service in the RNLI.
The crowd then stood for the hymn ‘Calon Lân’, accompanied by Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, followed by the Lord’s Prayer, Dedication of the Lifeboat and The Lifeboat Prayer.
Jill Legane was then invited to officially name the lifeboat, spraying champagne across the bow. She commented ‘I’m delighted to be here to represent the Laurence Misener Charitable Trust and my fellow trustee Captain George Swaine for the naming and dedication of this D-Class Lifeboat. This vessel is the best of it’s kind, I am assured of that, and the crews who will use it deserve nothing less’.
Music was provided by Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, who gave a wonderful rendition of ‘Home From The Sea’ and Lifeboat Training Co-Ordinator (LTC) Viv Grey delivered a vote of thanks to close the service.
St.David’s RNLI volunteers arrived on board their Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley, and Angle RNLI volunteers brought their Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Mark Mason to support the naming ceremony. Following the service, a volunteer crew demonstrated the capabilities and agility of D-899 Swaine Legane by performing a special display alongside the Tamar lifeboats. The helm from Little and Broad Haven RNLI was Andy Devonald, and crew members were Daniel Church, Byron Grey and Aaran Smith.
The ceremony was then followed by a reception at Little Haven village hall, to round off a truly memorable occasion for the gathered volunteers, donors, fundraisers, families and the wider community of Little and Broad Haven.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Press Officer, Denys Bassett-Jones on [email protected]
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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