RNLI launch lifeboat named after David Roulston
- Published
A new lifeboat is being launched in memory of David Roulston who drowned off the north coast in 2005.
Portrush lifeboat station named the vessel after the 46-year-old, who worked for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).
The father-of-three from Belfast drowned at Downhill in County Londonderry.
The lifeboat has been funded by contributions from the Civil Service Lifeboat Fund.
A plaque in memory of Mr Roulston will also be unveiled at the station by Alan Clarke, chief executive of NITB.
Over £25,000 was raised by NITB staff and their families and friends for the upkeep and maintenance of the new lifeboat.
Portrush lifeboat operations manager Robin Cardwell, who will be accepting the lifeboat on behalf of Portrush RNLI lifeboat station said the decision to name the craft in Mr Roulston's memory was "fitting".
"This lifeboat is the vessel that will carry our volunteer lifeboat crew out to sea to save lives, and on it our lifeboat crew will learn and develop their skills through extensive training," he said.
The D class lifeboat is five metres long and was built at a cost of £31,000. It can carry three crew members onboard.