Registered Charity No. UK 209603
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.
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.
Andy Pearce Naming Ceremony
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.
