ABERYDYFI lifeboat crew said goodbye to its ‘faithful friend’ this week after 17 years of service.

The station’s 75 class lifeboat, Sandwell Lifeline, was retired this week after dealing with over 300 call-outs since 1999.

The lifeboat crew welcomed their new Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Hugh Miles to Aberdyfi on Sunday and have been busy taking part in intense training throughout the week, as they familiarise themselves with their new lifeboat.

Before the Atlantic 75 Sandwell Lifeline left Aberdyfi on Friday afternoon, the volunteers could not miss the opportunity to take their old friend out on one last exercise, closely joined by the new Atlantic 85 Hugh Miles.

The Sandwell Lifeline arrived in Aberdyfi on 11 September 1999 and was funded by the people of Sandwell, West Midlands, hence the name.

Will Stockford, Aberdyfi helm said: “We have mixed emotions here today. We as a crew are obviously very excited to receive our new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, but it’s also a sad day as we say goodbye to a faithful friend."

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