In a statement to the Senedd, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has marked the 200th year anniversary of Her Majesty's Coastguard to our coastal communities, paying tribute to their efforts during the search for the Nicola Faith.
Originally founded in 1822 to tackle the tax-dodging illicit trade in goods, the service has evolved into a British institution that ensures people's safety around UK shores.
Working 24-hours a day, in 2022, Coastguard operations centres coordinate responses to emergency situations at the coast calling on 310 Coastguard Rescue Teams – made up of 3500 dedicated volunteers – and using 10 search and rescue helicopter bases.
Celebrating the Coastguard, Janet said:
“On the 200 anniversary of their service, I was most pleased to give a statement to the Senedd to express my particular thanks to the Llandudno Coastguard - a team whose professionalism continues to save lives at sea and along local coastal areas such as the Great Orme and Little Orme.
“As record numbers of people have visited our shores over recent years, the unassuming sandbanks of the Conwy Estuary have – at times – become a hotspot for rescues with the cool-headed coordination of our Coastguard in conducting their responses remaining a point of local pride.
“This tribute is especially poignant as our community remembers the loss of Carl McGrath, Ross Ballantine and Alan Minard a year on from the tragic sinking of the Nicola Faith. The work of Her Majesty’s Coastguard, in conjunction with our committed RNLI crews, during the search will be a proactive response that we all remain indebted to.”
Last month, HM Coastguard began to implement its new updated search and rescue radio network which uses fibre technology. More than £175 million has been invested to upgrade the Coastguard’s national radio network across all 165 sites over the next two years.
ENDS
