NORTHUMBERLAND, UK (8 Jan 2008) — The wife and brother of a man who died scuba diving have donated a new lifeboat to the Northumberland station. Coastguard officials told CDNN the £29,000 state-of-the-art vessel will be named "Peter Downes" after the man who died scuba diving in the English Channel in 2002. With a top speed of 25 knots, the new lifeboat represents a substantial improvement over the old D-class vessel it replaces. "This new lifeboat will enable us to carry out rescues faster and more effectively than ever before," said Seahouses RNLI lifeboat operations manager, Ian Clayton. "We are all extremely grateful to Mrs McLaughlin, her family and supporters for their generosity and thoughtfulness." Downes wife, Carolyn McLaughlin, and his brother Steve said that they wanted to do something positive to honor Peter. "Peter was such a well-respected and popular man that lots of people wanted to contribute," said Mrs. McLaughlin. "He was a highly qualified diver, who was keen to share his knowledge and experience with others...He loved being at sea. I'm certain he would be pleased that something positive has come out of his death." | | Peter Downes died scuba diving in the English Channel in 2002. Coastguard officials said the new "Peter Downes" lifeboat will be put into operation at the Seahouses RNLI station as soon as it completes sea trials. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
