Lifeboats News Release
New home for Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station
Date: 23/04/2009
Author: Tim Ash, Divisional Media Relations Manager
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is pleased to announce that its bid for the Old Custom House in Watch House Lane, Cowes, has been accepted subject to contract.
Speaking about the acquisition, Michael Vlasto, RNLI Operations Director, said he was delighted with the news:
‘The decision to put in a bid was a difficult one in the current economic climate, but the RNLI always puts operational priorities first. Since last June we have been looking for a new and permanent home for Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station that would give our volunteer crew faster access to the Solent and enable us to improve our overall operational efficiency.
‘We also wanted a lifeboat station that would provide our volunteers with the necessary training and crew facilities – and now we have found it. This was a one-off opportunity to acquire the right property in the right location, something that occurs very rarely in Cowes.’
Andrew Freemantle, RNLI Chief Executive, welcomed the acquisition of the building as the first step to providing RNLI Cowes with a better operational location and a new home:
‘This is very good news for Cowes and all those who use the Solent. The total cost of the RNLI’s bid is confidential, but it was only made possible by a significant contribution from the Island Sailing Club in return for access rights. If all goes well, plans will be drawn up later in the year for the necessary modifications to the building, which will enable our B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to be housed, launched and recovered.’
Work on the modifications, subject to planning approval, could start in 2010 but is subject to the availability of funding and overall RNLI priorities. Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Station currently operates from a site in Shepherds Wharf Marina, Medina Road. The current priority for fundraising on the Isle of Wight remains the appeal for Bembridge, where a 15 month project to build a new lifeboat station and slipway began in March 2009.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Tim Ash, Divisional Media Relations Manager, south east and London, on 01825 747727 or 07785 296252 or RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789; or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk
RNLI Public Relations: 01202 336789 or pressoffice@rnli.org.uk.
RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre.
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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 140 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.
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A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
