The donor of Kilkeel RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat visited the station today (Thursday, 18 December). Miss Margaret Cameron was at Kilkeel shortly after the lifeboat arrived in the County Down town yesterday.
Miss Cameron also funded Newcastle RNLI’s new D-class inshore lifeboat, which entered service in October.
At Newcastle today, the station’s newest Atlantic 85 lifeboat went on service at 9.55 am, matching the number on its hull.
Both Kilkeel and Newcastle crews have been training intensely to prepare for their new vessels. This follows an RNLI Lifesaving Effect Review of search and rescue assets on the southeast coast of Northern Ireland earlier this year.
Newcastle’s Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats
Newcastle’s Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats are now operational. Training for Kilkeel’s all‑weather Shannon continues ahead of its service entry in the new year.
The Shannon at Kilkeel will be named Bobby Cameron in memory of Miss Cameron’s late brother, Robert. The lifeboat’s identifying number will include the names of supporters whose donations helped fund it.
The D class lifeboat, also supported by Miss Cameron, will be called Cameronian.
Miss Cameron said she was “overwhelmed” to see the lifeboats bearing her late brother’s name. She called the RNLI’s work “life‑saving” and said she was “incredibly proud” to have contributed the vessels.
Newcastle’s new Atlantic 85, Berylium, is funded by Beryl and the late Gilbert Williamson. Their family history includes maritime links dating back to Sir Patrick Spens and losses in the 1881 Eyemouth Fishing Disaster.
All three new lifeboats will be formally named at dedication ceremonies next year.
RNLI Area Operations Manager Phillip Johnston said the arrival and service entry of the boats marked “a wonderful milestone” for both stations. He thanked volunteers, families and donors for their commitment to saving lives at sea.
