THE full-time coxswain at Holyhead Lifeboat Station is standing down from his role after seven years.

Tony Price took over the role at the end of 2016.

He has overseen "challenges" at the RNLI station including the difficult lockdowns during 2020 and 2021, and coped with two "devastating" events in 2018.

A statement by RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station said: "Firstly, the devastation and after-effects of Storm Emma, when Holyhead Marina and the vessels berthed there were totally destroyed. The Marina was our ALB Christopher Pearce’s home, and in treacherous weather Tony, along with our crew, led the lifeboat to safety, meaning she was the only boat to survive the storm.

"Only five months later, fire ripped through the Trinity House building beside our station, and once again Tony and the crew came together in extremely difficult circumstances to save our ILB.

"As well as the hundreds of shouts and training sessions we’ve carried out over the past seven years, under Tony’s leadership, crew members have developed new skills and achieved many qualifications. New volunteers have been welcomed into the fold and found their niches.

"He’ll no doubt be the first to say that this is what he is most proud of – the crew putting in the hard work, developing their skillset and reaching their goals."

The statement added: "He's also been at the front of our fundraising events, station visits, television appearances and even a Royal visit.

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"Tony’s boat handling and experience of our local waters is second-to-none, as well as his knowledge of the history of our station and town as a whole.

"Thankfully he’ll will be staying with us as a volunteer coxswain, mechanic and crewman, so his knowledge and skills will continue to contribute to station life and beyond.

"He still has a couple of weeks left in his full-time post, but we just want to take this opportunity to say a huge, heartfelt thank you, Tony, for everything you have overseen at the helm of Holyhead Lifeboat Station. Your initiative, guidance, and dedication to the crew has been an inspiration.

"Good luck in your new venture."