The Mumbles RNLI lifeboat called to action during Naming Ceremony

It was a real turn of events that illustrated the lifeboat’s core purpose, as she was called to action during her Naming Ceremony and Service of Dedication. The new lifeboat named Hugh, Maureen, and Heather Pope, was launched when a small RIB had been spotted drifting without power towards Mumbles Pier and out to sea.

The volunteer crew responded immediately and when they reached the RIB, they carried out a welfare check. A lifeboat crew member was placed aboard and it was discovered the fuel tank of the casualty vessel wasn’t venting. Once cleared, the engine restarted and they were safely back on their way.

Dai Thomas, ILB Helm said:

'To go straight from the ceremony into an operational service call shows exactly why this vital piece of lifesaving equipment really matters. We’re honoured to carry the names Hugh, Maureen, and Heather Pope. A gift that’s already making a difference. Diolch.'

This was the latest example of a number of rescues the lifeboat has been involved with since going on service in November last year. The volunteer crew having saved two dogs and assisted several people at sea since its arrival to the station.

The Hugh, Maureen, and Heather Pope, is named in honour of the family members of the generous benefactor, Edith Maureen Pope, who graciously donated the new lifeboat to the station.

The Hugh, Maureen, and Heather Pope will serve alongside the station’s all-weather lifeboat Roy Baker IV, responding to emergencies off the coast of Mumbles and throughout the Bristol Channel.

During the ceremony, Roy Grifftihs MBE representing the donor’s family, handed the lifeboat into the care of the charity. Mr Ross Barraclough, RNLI Engineering and Supply Director, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI before handing it into the care of The Mumbles Lifeboat Station.

Tim Conway, Lifeboat Operations Manager at The Mumbles RNLI said:

'The ceremony gave us a heartfelt opportunity to thank Mrs Pope, whose generous donation has funded the next chapter of saving lives here at The Mumbles Lifeboat Station.

‘The new lifeboat has already proven its worth since arriving – a proud moment for both the village and the station. We know our volunteer crew will save many more lives on this lifeboat in the years to come.'

RNLI media contacts:

For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert on [email protected] or 07717 793890.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 / [email protected], or the the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.