13/10/2026
Some interesting news about the new Coastal boat.....and an old Blue Peter one! 👍☺️
Last week, crew and volunteers at Fishguard RNLI met with representatives of the regional management team for an update on the RNLI’s 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy and the exciting changes coming to our station in the coming years, now shared publicly.
Operational and rescue data shows that demand is changing, particularly with increased recreational use of the coast, including swimming and paddlesports. Our fleet must evolve to meet these changing needs.
A key part of this change is the introduction of the new Coastal Lifeboat—an 11-metre, self-righting, water-jet-propelled lifeboat. Shaped by volunteer input and equipped with the latest marine technology, its optimal area of operation will be within 10 nautical miles of the coast, while retaining the capability to operate up to 25 nautical miles offshore.
Our station is one of those selected to receive a new Coastal Lifeboat which, combined with the existing D-class inshore lifeboat provides the most appropriate lifesaving capability for our area. Alongside our flanking stations at New Quay, Cardigan and St Davids, we will continue to provide lifesaving cover across South Cardigan Bay and work closely with other emergency services when required.
The RNLI has announced that all Trent-class all-weather lifeboats will leave service by the end of 2028. For Fishguard, this means eventually saying goodbye to Blue Peter VII.
Arriving in 1994 and funded by the 1993 Blue Peter “Pieces of Eight” appeal, she remains the only all-weather lifeboat to carry the iconic Blue Peter name. By the time she leaves Fishguard, 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 coxswain and mechanics.
Blue Peter VII is a special part of Fishguard’s station and local heritage. When the time comes, we hope to give her the farewell she deserves.
Until then, we will continue to train on and operate the assets we have. We are excited for this next chapter in our stations history, and look forward to be able to share more information with you as it becomes available.
Thank you for your continued support.
Fishguard RNLI
A full news release can be found at the following website address: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/october/12/fishguard-rnli-welcomes-announcement-of-new-lifesaving-asset
