A HISTORIC lifeboat, the RNLB Pentland, which has saved numerous lives, has been gifted to Pembroke Dock’s Maritime Museum, with the official handover set for Monday.

RNLB Pentland’s current owner Mike Brotherton MBE has gifted the lifeboat to the West Wales Maritime Museum, which is situated at Hancock’s boatyard, near Y Cerrig Glas on Front Street.

On Monday, December 8, at 8pm, the 1957-built 47ft Watson class lifeboat will sail to the museum for the official handover.

A short ceremony will take place; the Blue Ensign will come down, marking the end of Mike Brotherton’s command. The Red Ensign will go up, marking the new command of the West Wales Maritime Museum.

“It’s an early event owing to the tides,” said the boat’s owner, “but if you are around to witness the fun I’m sure you will be very welcome.

“It is a fitting end to my eight year command of the vessel.” Rev’d Brotherton was curate to St John’s, Pembroke Dock from 1981 to 1984 before spending 27 years in the Royal Navy. “It is good to give such a historic vessel to the museum and town,” he added.

Built at Cowes Isle of Wight for Thurso station in North Scotland, the Pentland served in the Pentland Firth, being launched 49 times on service and saving 15 lives.

From 1974 to 1985, Pentland served as Mumbles Lifeboat, answering a further 50 calls and saving 21 more lives. Her final years of service before being withdrawn in 1990 were spent at Workington, where a further 28 calls were undertaken and four more lives saved.