A decision over the future of the life-saving New Quay all-weather lifeboat will be made later this year after a consultation on services in Cardigan Bay was launched.
A protest group was formed and a petition launched after a 2017 decision by the RNLI to replace New Quay’s Mersey-class lifeboat with a smaller Atlantic 85 lifeboat saw safety fears raised.
The decision, which was put on hold until this year for a review to take place, would have seen the last all-weather lifeboat in the county being lost.
RNLI said at the time that the “difficult” decision was based on “extensive research”, but postponed making the move in 2019 ahead of a Coast Review which has just been launched.
The Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign, launched in the wake of the initial decision, said it has “continued to compile evidence-based data which will be presented to the RNLI, making a powerful case to retain an All-weather Lifeboat in New Quay beyond 2021.”
A petition against the planned downgrade was signed by more than 16,000 people.
A spokesperson for the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign said that it is “one of the stakeholders invited to take part” and “will engage constructively with the consultation process”.
An RNLI spokesperson confirmed to the Cambrian News that, despite the earlier decision to replace New Quay’s all-weather lifeboat, no final decision has been made ahead of this review.
“No decision has yet been reached regarding our future lifesaving provision in Cardigan Bay,” the spokesperson said.
“The consultation is underway to establish other factors we need to review alongside the data. “This will all be considered and a decision will be reached later in the year.”
The RNLI said it will be “engaging with groups and individuals who have an interest in the future lifesaving provision between Barmouth and Fishguard” after beginning the consultation process.
“Throughout the process, the RNLI will collaborate closely with a range of stakeholders to identify factors which may impact the future of lifesaving in Cardigan Bay,” the charity said.
“The charity has already met with the key stakeholders, including The Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign, and further meetings are agreed.
“The RNLI has made no decision on the future lifesaving configuration for Cardigan Bay and wants to focus on the varied communities’ thoughts and ideas.”
Iain Wright, RNLI regional project lead said: “We will use this period to listen carefully to those living in and working in Cardigan Bay and hear their thoughts, views and concerns. All feedback will be considered and taken onboard during the process.”