A lifeboat that saved 132 lives in Barmouth in her 33-year service will be sold after being restored to her former glory a decade ago.
The Chieftain went out of service in 1982 after first saving lives off the Barmouth coast back in 1949.
In 2010, the Cambrian News reported how the historic lifeboat had been fully restored after being bought by Tony Gatt.
Tony has now decided to sell the boat on, giving priority to buyers in the Barmouth area.
“I carried out the restoration myself, and have continued to own her to the present day,” Tony told the Cambrian News. “I’ve always maintained her to a pristine condition, as befitting such a honourable boat.
“I feel it is a privilege to preserve Barmouth station’s heritage.”
In 2011, The Chieftain returned to Barmouth for a visit to reunite her with her old crew and coxswain Ken Jeffs.
Since then the twin-screw Liverpool Class boat has been used extensively.
“One of the highlights was her trip to London in 2012 to take part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla on the Thames,” Tony added.
“This was a great honour.
“She’s been to numerous lifeboat days, station anniversaries and naming ceremonies around the county, fundraising for the RNLI.
“She featured on the ITV series Ade at Sea in 2014, has been used on many occasions for photo shoots, music videos, and as a wedding boat in Bristol Harbour.
“I’ve always carried out the physical maintenance of the boat myself, but now that I’m not getting any younger, I feel it’s time to let someone else be her guardian.
“There are a small number of former lifeboats that remain locally owned, and the heritage of the boat has been retained for the local station.
“I’ve always hoped that when I pass her on, she would go back to her original home rather than elsewhere.
“If a number of buyers came forward, I would give priority to a Barmouth resident.”