FALMOUTH RNLI officially named its new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat 13-56, Decibel Too, at a special naming ceremony and service of dedication held on Saturday (June 20).

In a timely reminder of the volunteer crew’s commitment to launch at any time, the ceremony was interrupted when the pagers sounded for the immediate launch of the inshore lifeboat.

Representatives of the donor, invited guests, volunteer lifeboat crew, fundraisers, shop volunteers, operational and station support teams, as well as local lifeguards, gathered on Falmouth’s North Quay for the occasion.

Decibel Too was funded by a gift left in the will of Richard Coleman and administered by his friends on the RNLI City of London Committee. Richard served in the Royal Navy and at the end of his National Service bought what became the love of his life – Decibel, an 18ft 2.5-ton Hillyard-designed sailing sloop built in 1935. Over the years they shared many happy and intrepid journeys.

Today, the historic wooden vessel whose name inspired Falmouth’s new Shannon class lifeboat is undergoing restoration by students at the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy. It was able to be part of the ceremony following a memorable journey via road trailer to Falmouth.

Tony Vlasto MBE, president of the RNLI City of London Committee, formally presented the lifeboat to the RNLI. It was was accepted by RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes, and Falmouth RNLI’s Launch Authority Andrew Angove.

The service of dedication, led by the Reverend Andrew Mumford, was interrupted when pagers sounded for the launch of Falmouth’s Inshore lifeboat. The gathered crowd watched as the volunteer crew swapped their formal wear for dry suits and sped off, after which Rev Mumford, continued with the service and led the crowd into hymn.

Falmouth RNLI volunteers then gave a spectacular demonstration of the new lifeboat and its capabilities, delighting guests and onlookers. She was later joined by the returning inshore lifeboat, which had responded to a distress signal in the Helford River but found nothing despite a thorough search.

Representing the station at the ceremony, Mr Angove said Decibel Too had been busy since arriving at the station in June last year, launching 25 times, saving two lives and assisting 26 people.

Most notably she played a vital role in enabling the crew to respond seven incidents during Storm Goretti in January. “The Shannon’s jet engines provided incredible manoeuvrability to enable to the crew to navigate what was described at the time as the worst weather conditions the crew had been out in to help a number of people in difficulty,” said Mr Angove. “She proved her worth and capabilities.”

The ceremony ended with Peter Sparkes presenting RNLI Chief Executive’s Commendations to staff who served during Storm Goretti: Nickolas Head, Dave Nicoll, Jonathan Hackwell, Adam West, Elliot Holman, Andy Edwards and Joe Sibley. Lifeboat Administration Officer Stephen Pateman was presented an Excellence in Volunteering Award for his outstanding contribution to the RNLI and to Falmouth RNLI.