AndyPearce

Registered Charity No. UK 209603

Andy Pearce - 1990 to

A new All-weather Lifeboat (ALB) was nearing completion at the Cowes yard of FBM Ltd., being a 38' (1.582 metres).12'6" (3,81 metres) beam 'Mersey' class self-righter achieved by the inherent buoyancy of a water-tight wheelhouse and hull. She was designed and developed entirely by RNLI staff and is built from Marine Grade aluminium alloy. She has a range of 162.5 nautical miles and cruising speed and a duration of approximately 10.16 hours. She has a fuel capacity of 1088 litres and a displacement of 13.7 tons (14 tonnes). She is powered by two 280 hp Caterpillar 3208T diesel engines, which give her a cruising speed of 16 knots and a top speed of 17.5 knots, more than twice that of the Lilly Wainwright. The new boat 'Andy Pearce' cost approximately £455,000.00 to build and was provided out of a legacy from Mr Andrew Pearce, plus other gifts and legacies. The new ALB arrived at Llandudno on 15th November, 1990 and after a week of intensive crew training, she was placed 'on station' on 23rd November. On arrival at Llandudno the Andy Pearce had to be left in the street after cracks appeared in the forecourt of the boathouse. It was decided to dig up and strengthen the forecourt and during the work the boat was left outside in case it was required for any emergency call-outs.

Andy Pearce successfully carried out her first rescue on 17th April 1991 when she was launched in early darkness to rescue two men in difficulties off the Rhos-on-Sea breakwater. The two men, in a 25' converted ships lifeboat, had been in trouble at the boat's mooring because of a strong north westerly wind (more than 40 mph) and a four foot swell. Both men were taken abroad the lifeboat unharmed and landed safely at Deganwy.

The Naming Ceremony of the Andy Pearce took place on 18th June, 1991 and was carried out by the Duchess of Kent. Several Hundred people attended the Ceremony despite the torrential rain.

Christopher Pearce who has a lifeboat named in his memory at Holyhead
and Andy Pearce who has Llandudno's lifeboat named in his memory.

In June 1992 the Andy Pearce was called to the aid of the cargo ship "Residu" when she got into difficulties about 25 miles north of the Great Orme. When the lifeboat arrived the "Residu" had taken on a lot of water and was listing about 20 degrees. The crew tried to lead her to the Isle of Man, the nearest place to head for, but weather conditions and the state of the vessel steadily worsened and a helicopter from RAF Valley was called in to airlift the ship's crew to safety. The lifeboat stayed behind to help but the "Residu" sank a few hours later. She was carrying a cargo of sodium carbonate used in glass-making and was heading for Ireland. There were concerns about the pollution but there was only a small oil slick from the vessel's engines, which soon dispersed. The cargo diluted harmlessly with sea water. The Greenpeace ship "Solo" stayed on scene to monitor the situation.

A trawler skipper had a nerve-racking experience on 12th March 1993 after netting a 1,500 lb German bomb off the Great Orme. The crew of five were taken off by the two Llandudno lifeboats while bomb disposal experts made safe the seven foot long bomb by taking it out three miles north of the Orme, lowering it to the sea bed and detonating it. On 9th June, 1993 the ILB was in action when the town was flooded following a very sever localized storm. Torrential rain fell on the town and because of a high spring tide was unable to drain away, causing a large part of the town to be flooded (including the boathouse). The ILB rescued many people from their homes. Dan Jones was made coxswain on 20th April 1994 and on the same day Robin Holden was made second coxswain.

In 1999 Les Jones became full time mechanic taking over from Lionel Collis. In July, 1999 Llandudno celebrated the 175th Anniversary of the RNLI by holding a Flower Festival in St. John's Methodist Church in Mostyn Street and on the morning of Sunday, 25th July, 1999 a special Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving was held in the Church and conducted by the Rev. Keith Garner and was attended by all the crew, branch and guild members. On 1st January, 2001 Graham Herritage was appointed as deputy second coxswain.

It was a very special occasion on 28th January, 2002 when the entire crew gathered at the Town Hall to be given the freedom of the town.