Registered Charity No. UK 209603
Sisters Memorial outside Llandudno’s first Boathouse
The first coxswain was Hugh Jones, a copper miner on the Great Orme overlooking the town. The first Honorary Secretary was John Williams, a position he held until 1876. The crew were called out for the first time on 9th February 1861 to a vessel in distress near Rhyl but was drifting towards Llandudno. Just before the lifeboat was launched a message was received stating that the ship, the schooner "William" of Liverpool, had sunk, her crew of five being saved by the Rhyl lifeboat. The severe ENE gale continued through the night and the following morning news was received that a schooner was aground on the Dutchman's Bank at the entrance to the Menai Straits. The sisters Memorial was then launched for her first service. The Penmon lifeboat was also called out, being nearer the casualty, and reached the schooner first. Her crew of four were all saved and the Sisters Memorial returned to Llandudno.
Sisters Memorial in Mostyn Street
Sisters Memorial remained in service at Llandudno until 1867. In February of that year, while on a service call near Rhyl, the lifeboat was swamped by a large wave and capsized. All but one of the crew were pitched into the sea, but the lifeboat righted herself and they all managed to get back aboard. At the inquiry that followed the coxswain's opinion that the design of the boat had contributed was upheld and the lifeboat was replaced with another of the same name. During her service "Sisters Memorial" launched seven times and saved eight lives.
Sisters Memorial on the Beach
