Ceremony to officially name West Kirby's new lifeboat (From Wirral Globe)

Ceremony to officially name West Kirby's new lifeboat

12:27pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News

West Kirby’s new RNLI inshore lifeboat has been formally named during a special ceremony attended by more than 200 of the charity’s volunteers and supporters.

The naming ceremony on Friday at West Kirby Marine Lake saw the lifeboat station’s volunteer crew and their families join RNLI supporters from neighbouring stations to celebrate the arrival of the new vessel and to formally accept her into their care.

The D class lifeboat has been named "Seahorse" and went into service at West Kirby in June; it has already launched five times on service.

West Kirby RNLI operations manager Dave Henshaw said: "The naming ceremony was a very special day for everyone involved with the RNLI in this area.

"We were thrilled to be able to welcome so many of our friends and dedicated supporters to celebrate the arrival of Seahorse on such a beautiful sunny day.

"The vessel has already proved to be a valuable asset and the crew have been impressed by her capabilities.

"She has a great reserve of power, which is perfect to enable rescues in big seas."

The ceremony included a service of dedication conducted by Reverend Paul Rossiter and musical support was provided by lead singers from the Rhos Male Voice Choir.

The D-751 Seahorse is the sixth RNLI lifeboat to be stationed at West Kirby.

The fifth boat, the "Dave and Trevor Jones" (Seahorse’s predecessor) was involved in 158 call-outs, assisted 199 people and saved five lives during her eight years on station.