Significant Donation Boosts Safety Training For Fowey Lifeboat Crew

Photo: Henry Orchard presents donation to Fowey cox Jonathan Pritchard Credit: Fowey RNLI

The Fowey RNLI has received a significant donation from Henry Orchard & Sons, a local scrap metal business, which will enhance the safety training of its volunteer crew.

Lifesaving Training Funded

The generous donation was made last Friday and will specifically fund a Crew Emergency Procedures (CEP) course. This vital training will take place at the RNLI’s dedicated training college in Poole. Jonathan Pritchard, the Coxswain at Fowey lifeboat station, expressed his gratitude, noting the extensive benefits this will bring. “We are extremely grateful for the donation,” he said. “The CEP course is a three-day course covering vital emergency procedures training.”

Volunteers at the station will learn a variety of critical skills, including how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat, perform sea survival drills, manage fires on board, and effectively abandon ship during emergencies. Additional training will focus on team survival swimming, navigating life-rafts in simulated darkness, the importance of lifejackets, and the correct use of flares, fire extinguishers, and throw bags.

A Local Legacy Supports Local Heroes

The funding for this donation comes from an innovative source—recycling ex-China Clay CDA Wagons, which were scrapped in 2023 and 2024. Henry Orchard, Managing Director of the donating company, highlighted the local connection to this effort. “Several of the wagons are now in the hands of heritage organisations, but we assisted with the safe recycling of the remaining wagons,” he explained.

Given the proximity of the lifeboat station to the wagons’ operational area, the decision to donate the proceeds to the RNLI felt particularly appropriate. “Like the lifeboat crew, local industry is a vital part of our local community and we are so pleased these funds will enable this training that will help the RNLI volunteers to carry out their incredible work and hopefully help to keep them safer while they are out at sea,” Henry added.

This contribution from Henry Orchard & Sons not only underscores the strong ties between local industries and community safety initiatives but also ensures that Fowey’s lifeboat volunteers are better equipped to face the challenges of saving lives at sea.

Photo: RNLI Crew Emergency Procedures training in Poole Credit: Fowey RNLI