Barmouth RNLI crew have paid their respects to two colleagues who lost their lives 15 years ago.

Saturday was the 15th anniversary of the death of Barmouth harbourmaster Keith Allday and his assistant harbourmaster, Alan Massey (pictured inset), who both drowned while laying moorings in the harbour.

Keith had been coxswain of the lifeboat since 1993 and Alan was also helm of the inshore lifeboat.

Both Barmouth lifeboats were launched and a massive air and sea search began after their vessel was found upturned.

Speaking this week, a spokesperson for the local crew said: “It was a very sad time for the lifeboat and for the whole town; losing such popular and likeable young men in the prime of their life was very hard to bear.

“Keith and Alan are still remembered with extreme fondness by the volunteer crew and RNLI supporters at Barmouth and many emotional messages were posted on social media.”

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