BOB’S BOAT
RNLI tribute to stalwart Robert
A NEW lifeboat honouring a councillor who died at sea during an RNLI rescue mission has arrived at the Pwllheli station.
The new D class 811 named Robert J Wright arrived at the station last week after years of fundraising.
The new D class boat is named after Bob Wright MBE, a volunteer coxswain and Pwllheli councillor who sadly passed away at sea during a lifeboat rescue mission in September 2015.
Cllr Wright, 66, was out with Pwllheli’s RNLI lifeboat to aid the crew of a yacht which ran aground when he suffered a suspected heart attack.
After his tragic death the team have been fundraising tirelessly and finally met their target of £52,000 earlier this year.
Clive Moore, Coxswain at Pwllheli RNLI, said: “Whether you attended a fundraising event or contributed in any way, we would like to say a massive thank-you to you.
“Without your generosity, we could not have reached our target – which was to fund the boat entirely from local donations.
“It’s always great to see a new boat arrive – even more the new D Class, as it means so much to the crew and local residents of Pwllheli.
“It’s a rare and appropriate tribute to our former Coxswain Robert Wright.
“Our new D class lifeboat has arrived on station, funded entirely by local donations.
“It’s great to know his name Robert J Wright will live on ‘in service’ for many more years to come.”
To thank those who donated towards funding the new lifeboat, there will be a ‘Meet the Boat’ event at Plas Heli, Pwllheli, on July 30.
The boat will be available for viewing between 12pm and 3pm.