Flint RNLI new £48k lifeboat put through it’s paces on River Dee last night

Flint RNLI team were out on the River Dee on Monday evening putting their brand new £48,000 D-Class inshore lifeboat through its paces.

Flint RNLI lifeboat crew members took delivers of the new lifeboat named ‘Lady Barbara’ last week.

The new lifeboat was partially funded by a generous £35,000 donation from local RNLI supporter David Sadler in memory of his late wife Barbara who sadly died in April 2015.

The remaining £13,000 is being raised as part of the lifeboat stations 50th anniversary appeal.

David was present when ‘Lady Barbara’ was delivered to the Flint based lifeboat team, he said:

“This a proud day for me, our family, and everybody at the lifeboat station”

Talking last Thursday when the lifeboat was delivered Alan Forrester volunteer lifeboat operations manager said:

“This is an exciting and special day for our lifeboat station, for David and his family, and for the people of Flint, Barbara was a huge supporter of this station and the RNLI, and this lifeboat will be a constant tribute to her.”

Thanks to MCS Photography for the pictures…

Launching from a trolley or davit, the D class lifeboat is ideal for rescues close to shore in fair to moderate conditions.

The D class lifeboat has a single 50hp outboard engine and can be righted manually by the crew after a capsize.

First introduced into the fleet in 1963, the design of the D class has continued to evolve since its introduction and the latest version (also known as the IB1-type) was introduced in 2003.

Equipment includes both fitted and hand-held VHF radio, night-vision equipment, and first aid kit including oxygen.