Falmouth RNLI’s new lifeboat is named after a 1935 sailing boat

The naming ceremony for Falmouth RNLI’s newest lifeboat was part way through when the pagers went off. The crowd on North Quay watched as volunteers swapped their formal wear for dry suits and sped out of the harbour to answer a distress call. The Reverend Andrew Mumford carried on with the service and led everyone into a hymn. It was about as fitting a reminder as the day could have offered of what the crew actually signs up for.

A new Shannon class lifeboat for Falmouth

On Saturday 20 June, Falmouth RNLI officially named their all weather Shannon class lifeboat 13-56, Decibel Too, at a naming ceremony and service of dedication.

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

The lifeboat has been funded by a gift left in the will of Richard Coleman, administered by his friends on the RNLI City of London Committee.

The man behind the name

Richard Coleman served in the Royal Navy. At the end of his National Service he bought what became the love of his life, an 18ft, 2.5 ton Hillyard-designed sailing sloop built in 1935 and named Decibel. Over the years the pair shared many happy and intrepid journeys.

That historic wooden vessel is the reason Falmouth’s new Shannon carries the name Decibel Too. Decibel herself is now being restored by students at the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, and she made it to the ceremony after a memorable trip to Falmouth by road trailer.

Richard had a deep appreciation of the work of the RNLI. His generosity means Falmouth’s volunteer crew can keep saving lives at sea for years to come.

📷Catherine Vlasto friend of donor officially named Decibel Too - Credit: RNLI/Tim Stevens

A ceremony that turned into a real launch

The event was opened by Chris Price, Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, who welcomed guests before inviting Tony Vlasto MBE, President of the RNLI City of London Committee, to formally present the lifeboat to the RNLI.

RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes accepted it, then entrusted it to Andrew Angove, Falmouth RNLI’s Launch Authority, who took it on behalf of the station.

The service of dedication was led by the Reverend Andrew Mumford. It was during the service that the pagers sounded for the launch of Falmouth’s inshore lifeboat, and the crew swapped suits for dry suits and went. The inshore lifeboat had been called to a Personal Locator Beacon transmitting a distress signal in the Helford River. The area was thoroughly searched, nothing was found, and the inshore lifeboat was stood down.

Catherine Vlasto performed the official naming. Guests then heard from Will Reed, Director of the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, before Chris Price closed the ceremony with a vote of thanks.

Falmouth RNLI volunteers followed up with a demonstration of Decibel Too and her capabilities along the quay. She was later joined by the inshore lifeboat, returning from its call out.

📷Crowds gathered for the naming of Falmouth's Shannon Decibel Too - Credit: RNLI/Tim Stevens

25 launches and a role in Storm Goretti

Decibel Too has not been sitting idle since she arrived at the station in June last year.

Andrew Angove, RNLI Lifeboat Launch Authority, said: “Since Decibel Too arrived at the station in June last year, she has been busy, launching 25 times, saving two lives and assisting 26 people.

“Most notably she played a vital role in enabling our crew to respond to a total of seven incidents in the midst of Storm Goretti in January this year when the county was battered by a rare red Met Office weather warning. The Shannon’s jet engines provided incredible manoeuvrability to enable 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. She proved her worth and capabilities.

“We are hugely grateful to Mr Coleman for his generous legacy, Tony and Catherine Vlasto and the RNLI City of London Committee. It is an honour for the station to serve on a lifeboat named in memory of Mr Coleman.”

Awards for the crew

At the end of the ceremony, Peter Sparkes presented RNLI Chief Executive’s Commendations to Nickolas Head, Dave Nicoll, Jonathan Hackwell, Adam West, Elliot Holman, Andy Edwards and Joe Sibley for their service during Storm Goretti.

Stephen Pateman, Lifeboat Administration Officer, received an Excellence in Volunteering Award for his outstanding contribution to the RNLI and to Falmouth RNLI.

📷Falmouth RNLI Shannon Naming Ceremony Decibel Too - Credit: RNLI/Tim Steven