1:40am Thursday 20th November 2008
By Andrew Thomas
Silloth RNLI lifeboat station has become the first in north west England to operate the most technologically advanced inshore lifeboat in the rescue charity’s fleet – the Atlantic 85.
The £160,000 lifeboat went into service at the weekend and replaces Silloth’s Atlantic 75 lifeboat, Spirit of Cumbria. It has been funded by a generous legacy from Cheshire man Don Wilkinson, a long-time RNLI supporter, and the lifeboat is named Elaine and Don Wilkinson in honour of him and his wife.
Silloth RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Eddie Studholme, said: "The crew are all very impressed by their new lifeboat, which is faster and more capable than our previous Atlantic, and we are so grateful to Mr Wilkinson for his very generous legacy. The RNLI depends on donations and legacies like his and without such generosity, we would not be able to carry on our vital life saving role."
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