Porth Ruffydd Lifeboat Station

Porth Ruffydd Lifeboat Station was located at Porth Ruffydd on Holy Island, west of the port of Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey, Wales.

A lifeboat was first stationed here by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 1891.

After 14 service launches, but with no lives saved, the station was closed in 1904.

History
In poor conditions on 17 December 1889, the Barque Tenby Castle ran aground on rocks at Penrhos Point, on the western side of Holy Island. The Volunteer Life Brigade was dispatched to travel 3 miles overland from Holyhead. The Holyhead lifeboat was launched, but needed to travel the 6 miles or more around the north of Holy Island. On arrival on scene, the brigade were unable to reach the vessel. John O Williams, Chief Officer of HM Coastguard, and Holyhead lifeboat Honorary Secretary, sent a man to also raise the Rhoscolyn lifeboat, 5 miles away.

However, after several trips with the use of a small boat, the brigade managed to save 3 men. By the time the Holyhead lifeboat arrived, the vessel had sunk. They picked up one man, who later died. In all, 11 of the 14 crew of the Tenby Castle were lost. Five of the brigade received the RNLI Silver Medal for their brave efforts.

As a result, it was decided to open a lifeboat station at nearby Porth Ruffydd. A 34-foot 10-oared self-righting pulling and sailing (P&S) lifeboat (one with oars and sails), costing £436, was ordered from Watkins & Co., and a boathouse, costing a further £1,320, was constructed at the head of the small cove. A special fund had been raised by a Mr and Mrs Norbury of Bowden, and this covered the entire cost. Such was the remote location of the station, the station was managed by Holyhead lifeboat station, as if the boat was required, many of the crew would be Holyhead men.

At a ceremony in Holyhead on 6 August 1891, Mrs Norbury named the lifeboat Norbury (ON 297).

The Porth Ruffydd lifeboat was first called on the 19 November 1893 to the SS Theresa, but it turned out she was not required. On 12 October 1894, the lifeboat was called to aid the Norwegian vessel Eugenie aground on Ramon Rocks, and after some assistance. she was refloated.

With few service calls, and now with a steam-powered lifeboat based at Holyhead, able to cover the distance far quicker than before, it was decided to close the Porth Ruffydd Station in 1904. The Norbury (ON 297), the only lifeboat to serve at Porth Ruffydd, was broken up. The boathouse survived until 1997, when it was demolished. Only the steps down to the old station remain, as pictured.