england/england/littlehampton/”>littlehampton/”>Littlehampton RNLI has officially launched its latest lifeboat—the nimble and reliable Spirit of Fidelity—at a stirring ceremony on Saturday 27 September.
D-Class “Workhorse” Already Proving Its Worth
The new D-Class lifeboat, officially known as D-902, has been on active service 20 times since arriving in May. These lifeboats are the backbone of RNLI rescue operations, famed for their agility and ability to navigate surf, shallow waters, and tight spots close to shore/”>shore.
Family Legacy Fuels Lifeboat Naming
The vessel was generously funded and named by donors Michael and Alison Veale, whose family has backed the RNLI for <a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Overover 65 years. Michael Veale spoke emotionally at the event:
“Our gift of D-902, with its name Spirit of Fidelity, honours my father’s memory and is the natural extension of my family’s involvement with the RNLI. Needless to say, the naming ceremony has been an amazing and very emotional event for us, given the memories it generates.”
A Community Celebration with Proud Officials
In a touching RNLI tradition, the Veales handed over the lifeboat to RNLI Trustee Andrew Jordan, who passed it to Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton. The dedication service, led by shore <a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Crewcrew and chaplain Mike Meachin, ended with the classic champagne christening.
Nick White praised the new addition:
“Since arriving at our lifeboat station in May, Spirit of Fidelity has already enabled our crew to be there for people who need our help. We’re so grateful to Michael and Alison for their extremely generous donation – and we’re very proud that Littlehampton RNLI is the home of Spirit of Fidelity.”
The ceremony attracted notable attendees including Alison Griffiths, MP for <a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, and Alan Butcher, Mayor of Littlehampton, alongside crew and local supporters.
Michael Veale expressed deep respect for the RNLI team:
“Although we’ve donated the lifeboat, it is the crew – through their courage, professionalism and the support of the wider RNLI – who are dedicated to saving lives at <a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Seasea every time they go out on a shout.”
Vital Lifesaving Asset for West Sussex
Spirit of Fidelity
will serve as a crucial lifeline for the Littlehampton RNLI station, providing rescue cover across the <a href=”https:///uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.West Sussex coastline from <a href=”https:///uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Worthing to <a href=”https:///uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.<a href=”https:///www.uknip.co.Bognor Regis.
