Barmouth’s new lifeboat is operational after the crew completed months of intensive training on the new vessel.

The crew boarded the new Shannon-class lifeboat, the Ella Larsen, on 10 April to begin its operational service.

RNLI area lifesaving manager Lee Firman said: “The team at Barmouth are to be commended for their hard work, commitment and dedication over the last few months which has allowed us to be confident that we have the right number of competent and safe people able to operate the boat and associated launch and recovery equipment.

“The extent of the training they have received to date gives us a core of people able to maintain service whilst allowing them to further train themselves and the other crew to become even greater competent operators over the coming months.”

Barmouth RNLI fundraisers are planning an event to be held in the Dragon Theatre on 11 May to explain the new boat’s capabilities to the public.

This will include the history of lifeboats in Barmouth since 1828, pictures and film of the Shannon in action and the volunteer crew’s passage around from Poole in the Ella Larsen. The night will close with shanty singing and refreshments.

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