A new, modern class of lifeboat will find a home at Fishguard RNLI following the latest announcement by the RNLI on their 2040 Fleet Strategy.
Following the public announcement by the RNLI, it can be confirmed that Fishguard RNLI is to receive a new lifesaving asset under the 2040 Fleet Strategy.
After a review of operational and rescue data collected by the RNLI it has been determined that there has been a shift in demand on the lifesaving service and the types of incident that the charity’s volunteers attend, particularly an increase in the use of the coast for swimming and paddlesports.
As a result the RNLI needs to evolve in line with the demand placed upon it.
On Monday 5 October 2026, volunteers from all areas of Fishguard RNLI gathered at the station for a meeting with representatives of the regional management team to see what those changes will look like locally.
A key part of the change across the RNLI is the introduction of the new Coastal Lifeboat, which saw a selection process shaped by volunteer input. This modern 11 metre, self righting vessel is equipped with the latest marine technology and will be propelled by water jets, similar to those on the existing Shannon class lifeboat. This makes the vessel more manoeuvrable and able to access shallower water with its optimal area of operation being within 10 nautical miles of the coast, while retaining the capability to operate up to 25 nautical miles offshore. She will also be
faster than our current boat, capable of a top speed of 35 knots (40mph) allowing more rapid response times.
Fishguard RNLI is confirmed as one of the stations selected to receive a new Coastal Lifeboat. The existing D-class inshore lifeboat will remain on station, and paired with the new asset provides the most appropriate lifesaving capability for the area.
Our volunteers will continue to work closely with flanking stations at New Quay, Cardigan and St Davids to provide the most effective lifesaving cover across South Cardigan Bay, as well as working with other emergency services when required.
Last year the RNLI also announced that all Trent-class all-weather lifeboats (ALB) will leave service by the end of 2028.
For our station, this means eventually saying goodbye to Blue Peter VII. Arriving in 1994 she was funded by the 1993 Blue Peter “Pieces of Eight” appeal, and she remains the only all-weather lifeboat to carry the iconic Blue Peter name.
By the time she leaves us, she will have given 34 years of service to the station—a remarkable testament to the skill and dedication of generations of volunteer crew and station coxswains and mechanics.
Blue Peter VII is a special part of the history of Fishguard lifeboat station and the wider local heritage. When the time comes, the station hopes to be able to give her the farewell that her years of service deserve.
Until then, volunteers will continue to train on and operate the assets available.
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers, said:
‘As caretakers of one of the oldest assets in the RNLI fleet we knew that our Trent class ALB was approaching retirement, and as a crew we welcome this announcement from our CEO Peter Sparkes.
At a local level we have seen first hand the change in frequency and nature of incidents which we are called upon to attend. The announcement that we are to receive the new Coastal Lifeboat represents an exciting new chapter for the station, one where we are equipped with modern assets to deal with contemporary demand.’
‘Blue Peter VII has been such an iconic feature of our community for over 30 years, and we sincerely hope when the time comes that everyone will help give her a memorable send off.’
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