The first of a new slipway launched class of lifeboat, known as the Tamar class, has been allocated to Tenby lifeboat station by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The new lifeboat, costing £2M, has been funded by the generous bequest of Mr Haydn Miller, and is to be named Haydn Miller in honour of the donor. The Tamar is expected to be put on service in September 2005, after trials are completed with the pre-production version earlier next year.

The Tamar class is the latest design of RNLI all weather lifeboat and features state of the art technology to enhance its lifesaving capabilities. The new lifeboat replaces the station’s Tyne class all weather lifeboat, which was built in 1986. Compared to the Tyne class the Tamar will be bigger – 16 metres as opposed to 14 – and faster, with a speed of 25, rather than 17 knots.