Fleet Bay Inshore Rescue Service is set to splash out – on a new state-of-the-art lifeboat!
The new vessel will significantly enhance safety provision across Fleet Bay and Wigtown Bay, two of the region’s busiest and most popular coastal areas.
It will be built to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards thanks to a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The local inshore rescue service is currently working towards a total fundraising target of £140,000 – with more than half already raised through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the local community.
Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has publicly supported the campaign as the charity nears closer to the MCA-compliant lifeboat needed to achieve full operational status.
He said: “Fleet Bay Inshore Rescue Service plans an absolutely vital role in keeping people safe across both Fleet Bay and Wigtown Bay.
“Their volunteers work tirelessly, and their progress toward funding a fully MCA-compliant lifeboat is a huge credit to the whole team.”
Welcoming the grant award, the Galloway and West Dumfries MSP has lodged a parliamentary motion praising the funding.
He said: “This is a well-deserved boost, and I will continue to support their efforts as they move toward Declared Facility status.
“The communities, visitors and coastal users who rely on these waters will all benefit enormously from this enhanced capability."
He added: “Coastguard-taskable lifeboat will dramatically strengthen emergency response capacity in an area that sees high levels of year-round activity.
“The public is encouraged to keep supporting Fleet Bay Inshore Rescue Service as it works to complete its final fundraising stretch and bring the new lifeboat into service."
