Criccieth, Gwynedd, is the first RNLI lifeboat station to take delivery of an Arancia inshore rescue boat.

She is on an extended trial to assess her capabilities, and has been called on for a number of rescues, including a search for and the rescue of a man from a grounded trimaran. She was brought to Criccieth as she copes better with the shallow waters of the Glaslyn and Dwyryd estuaries than the station’s permanent B class lifeboat.

The inflatable Arancia is already an established member of the RNLI fleet, introduced in 2001 for use by lifeguards. It originated in New Zealand as a surf rescue boat, and new Arancias are built at the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes, Isle of Wight.