Budge fund helps launch lifeboat

THE Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) launched a new lifeboat at the weekend, thanks to fundraising efforts and a large donation from The Budge Trust.

MIRO provides a 24 hour, 365 days a year, inshore rescue service covering the area from Burghead to Nairn and up to three miles offshore. Since it started operations in 2007, MIRO has received in excess of 70 calls usually through the Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

The previous 5.8m Humber RIB boat powered by twin 60hp engines has done sterling service, but increasing maintenance requirements prompted the call for a replacement, with thoughts turning to the advantages of having a slightly larger boat, particularly where multiple casualties are involved.

On Saturday, generous grants coupled with internal fundraising efforts, saw that aspiration come true, with the official launch of the new Humber ‘Ocean Pro’ 6.5m RIB, specially fitted out to MIRO specifications.

The entire cost of the hull and ancillary equipment, amounting to over £26,000 was met by a grant from the Budge Trust. The Trust was established by husband and wife Bill and Lorraine Budge – who live in Aberdeen.

Further grants of £10,000 and £5,000 from ‘Awards for All’ and the Hugh Fraser Trust covered the cost of the twin 90hp outboard engines. Ancillary fitting out costs together with a new trailer were met from MIRO’s own funds.

The new boat was named ‘Glyn Whitehead II’, in memory of a Findhorn yachtsman who was tragically lost at sea in 2003 and Glyn’s widow Jeanne was there to attend the special ceremony at the weekend.

The new name was approved by HRH The Princess Royal when she visited the MIRO headquarters in Findhorn last December.

Having already undergone comprehensive sea trials, the boat is now available for use in all of MIRO’s operations.