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0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Porthdinllaen - is on Lleyn's northern coast.
0:00:04 > 0:00:10- It has been an RNLI lifeboat station - for almost 150 years.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- It's the focal point - of the Morfa Nefyn area.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- Builders, carpenters, - a postman and even a milkman.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- The volunteers - put their lives at risk...
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- ..when the call comes.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- It's been an exciting year - of changes...
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- ..a new home and a new boat.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- This is the first time...
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- ..that a milestone for the RNLI - Porthdinllaen is chronicled.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55- Subtitles
0:01:07 > 0:01:13- A new lifeboat, the John D Spicer, - has arrived in Porthdinllaen.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18- A new boathouse - is being built for her.
0:01:25 > 0:01:31- Mike the coxswain and chief engineer - Alan are emptying the old boathouse.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38- I didn't think it would take long - to empty the boathouse.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- But there was more than we thought.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- It's good to know - we'll have a new boathouse.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- It's cramped and damp here.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Remember that cold winter?
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- The crewroom was the only warm spot.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- These were frozen solid.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- Everything stuck to your hands. - It was like being in a fridge!
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- The boathouse is 100 years old. - It has been extended over the years.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- A couple from China - thought it was a museum.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- "Is the museum open?" they asked me.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- They were adamant it could not be - an operational lifeboat.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- The boathouse will be built - on the same site.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- It will be bigger and modern.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- We're using local Trefor stone. - The roof is copper.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- There's cedar wood above the stone.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- It will age after being exposed - to the elements.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- It will blend into the landscape.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- At present, we come down - the hill and through the back.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- From now on, - we'll enter where the window is...
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- ..and come into the changing rooms.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- We can use the changing rooms - as a meeting place.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- I can see who's here when I arrive.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- Another feature is a viewing - platform above the boat.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- It's a public gallery.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- People can see the boat going out.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- We need a new slip.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56- The old one has been redone - to adapt to the various boats.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- The concrete is old.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- We'll have showers - for the first time.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- They're basic improvements, but - we have been living in a shoebox.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- It will take a year - to build the new boathouse.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- A temporary home - is needed for equipment...
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- ..as well as a meeting point - when the call comes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- The lifeboat crew - are building a temporary compound.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- They are local - builders and carpenters.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- Back in the boathouse, - Mike and Alan are still clearing.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Even members - of the Porthdinllaen crew...
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- ..have summoned its lifeboat.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- The shaft coupling came off. - It happened once or twice before.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- We had tools on the boat.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- A spanner snapped - when we loosened the bolt.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- We couldn't do anything.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- We had to call the lads out. - They had already been out.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- They had only just made it - back on the slip.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- They couldn't believe - we needed help.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Pete the coxswain - thought it was a joke.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- When Alan's work is done, - his interest in engines goes on.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- This is my Escort.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- I enter six or seven rallies - every year.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- It's not as much as I'd like.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I only go as far - as the Dolgellau area.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59- There are championships throughout - Wales but I can't afford to enter!
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- I recently came home with - three trophies, which isn't bad!
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- It's the first race - for the car to complete!
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- I've liked cars since I was a lad.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- My other passion was fishing.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- I worked on fishing boats.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- They invited Dad to join the crew - and I joined the same time.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- After a few years, this job came up.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- I've been the full-time engineer - in Porthdinllaen...
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- ..for almost 10 years, - and on the crew for 20 years.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Let's move this stuff.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- Let's take it out.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- We'll put him in the front seat.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Mike and Alan finish clearing - for the time being.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- The new boathouse will cost money.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- The community is expected - to contribute towards the costs.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Eleri is an enthusiastic fund raiser - for the RNLI Porthdinllaen.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- She's a member of - the Coastguard Search and Rescue...
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- ..who works closely with the RNLI.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- I joined the coastguard...
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- ..because my father is an officer - at the Porthdinllaen station.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- I became inspired - when he was called out.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41- I decided that's what I would do - when I was older.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- I've been doing it for six years.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- Her husband and daughter are members - of the Porthdinllaen crew.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- Raising money is very important.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- We hold open days in Porthdinllaen.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- We're very busy on open days.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- People flock to our open days.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- We want to put our stamp - on the boathouse.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- We can say that we raised funds - to make this happen.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- Crew members and their partners...
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- ..are happy to give their time - to raise more money.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- We check what the others are doing. - It's all intertwined.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- I live in the village - and it bonds everyone.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- As well as organising events...
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- ..there are other ways - of raising money.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- Sheila has ran the RNLI shop - in Porthdinllaen...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- ..as a volunteer - for the past eight years.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58- That's the old one.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- We have to wait for the new - boathouse before it's launched.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- How long will that take to build?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- How long will that take to build?- - I think they say about 18 months.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Originally from Norfolk...
0:09:11 > 0:09:17- ..the area and the Porthdinllaen - lifeboat are close to her heart.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- The turnover - in the shop last year...
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- ..was a few pennies under 16,000...
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- ..which actually raises over 9,000 - for the cause.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- I equate that to nine launches.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- It's about 1,000 every launch.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Thank you very much indeed.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46- He'll drop it.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- He'll drop it.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Back in the boathouse, - the crew help with the emptying.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- The builders have arrived.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Because of the location...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- ..it's impossible to bring - the machines and equipment by road.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Every single brick will arrive - by sea...
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- ..on a large and fast landing craft.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- It can carry a lot of weight - and land on the beach.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34- They hope to achieve - two or three ship loads a day.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- It'll be winter soon.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- The old boathouse - will be demolished.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- By the spring, - things will be shaping up.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- By the summer, - it'll be well on its way.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- This time next year, - the boat will be inside.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Hopefully.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00- .
0:11:05 > 0:11:05- Subtitles
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- Now that the building work - is complete...
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- ..Robat, the second coxswain, makes - his way to their new temporary home.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31- This is the container we use to keep - lifeboat maintenance equipment.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- We have oil and tools - to repair and maintain the boat...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- ..the trailers and Land Rover.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- This is the shed - for the inflatable boat.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- We've got cleaning material - and lights.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- There's electricity - to charge the engine.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- This is the container - for our clothes.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- It's double the size of - what we had in our old boathouse.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- Everybody has their own peg - and lifejackets.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- Our names are on pegs.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- There are dry suits - for the D-class crew.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- The old boathouse was cramped.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- This temporary home - is superior to our old boathouse.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- It's only a temporary home.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- We'll have a brand new boathouse - on the same location.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- For 66 weeks...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..the Bam Nuttall - construction company...
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- ..will build a boathouse - and slipway for the lifeboat.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- But despite the upheaval...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- ..the crew continue - to exercise regularly.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- This is difficult - because the boat is on water.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- It's time-consuming - and everybody is on edge.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- We have to do it right - and not rush things.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- If we don't reach the boat, - nobody gets saved.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- If the tide is with us, - we'll reach high speeds.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- If we're six minutes longer, we'll - gain six minutes the other side.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- It's only for a year - and the end - result will be worth the hassle.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- In wintertime, the crew exercise - twice a week in all weather.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- But things don't always go smoothly.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51- The crew are instructed - to get the Y-boat ready.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- They can't start the engine.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Mali, - tell him to bring it alongside.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- Hywel starts the engine - after several attempts.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- Every engine is temperamental. - This one has been on its side.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- They took everything off - and kept trying.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- It paid off. Perseverance!
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- As well as the little boat...
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- ..there are many ways - a life can be saved.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Open the bottom rail, Mali.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- This is the Jason's Cradle.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- It's used to lift people who are - injured or unconscious from the sea.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Let go.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Mind his head.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Slide forward.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02- Slow!
0:15:02 > 0:15:03- OK.
0:15:04 > 0:15:10- Mali joined the crew ten months ago. - What sort of teacher has Mike been?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- He has pushed me, but not just me.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- He encourages people - who want to get ahead.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Every member receives - the same encouragement.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- We've had new members recently.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- The youngsters need to be trained - and pushed forward.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- He's a good leader.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Hywel is a new member.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- The local lad's father is also - a member of the RNLI Porthdinllaen.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Dad has been on the lifeboat - for a few years.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- I wanted to continue the tradition.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- I expect my two brothers will too.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Loosen it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- I'm studying plumbing in college.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I hope I'll pass the course soon.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- I'll be helping out on the boats - in a week's time.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- I can take boats to the moorings - and work on the little boats.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- I'll do whatever needs to be done.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- OK, we've finished.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- The exercise ends and John - D Spicer returns to her mooring.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Over the coming year...
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- ..regular exercises - are more important than ever.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- The crew is coming along well. - I want us to go up a gear.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- It's the exercises on water - that teaches them the most.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- You can read a book.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- But out at sea - is the best way to learn.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Mike has been involved - with the RNLI for over 30 years.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- He knows how much it means - to the local residents.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- The crew jump out of bed at 3am...
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- ..for no pay.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- They'll go out no matter - what the conditions.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- It takes guts to do that, - a lot of guts.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- I joined the RNLI Abersoch crew - when I was 17.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- My first boat was - a small boarding boat.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- It was fun to bomb around in it.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- After a couple of good rescues - I realized how serious it was.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- Saving someone for the first time - brought it home to me.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- But I've seen another side.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- When I was 17, I was witness - to a 7-year-old losing his life.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- That hurt. There are two sides.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- That's what pushes me on.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- They are not all like that.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- There are many calls for us - to be used as a taxi or AA.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Thank goodness - there aren't many bad ones.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- If I only saved one life a year, - it would be worth it.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- A recent incident has been - etched on the memory...
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- ..of the RNLI Porthdinllaen crew.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- BBC RADIO CYMRU NEWS BULLETIN - NOVEMBER 27 2011
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- A huge rescue operation - is underway...
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- ..to save a crew - 20 miles off the Lleyn coast.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- The Russian crew - were on board the Swanland.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- She was taking stones - to the Isle of Wight.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- It was 2.15am when the Swanland call - was received.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- We had the call to go.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- The boat was sinking - 20 miles away from Porthdinllaen.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Half a dozen of us - went to the boathouse.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- The coastguard phoned us - from Holyhead.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- The ship had sunk...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..before the lifeboat - touched the water.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- It was terribly stormy.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- There was a Force 8 to 10 gale.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- It took us two hours to reach her.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- We were looking - for the eight crewmen.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- We didn't know if they were - in the water or in a life raft.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- We had no idea.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- The coastguard provided us - with search patterns.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- All we could see was a wall of sea, - 20 foot high.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- We were being tossed around - - I was thrown off the ship's wheel.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- A wave come from somewhere, - to the front and side.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- I couldn't see the coxswain.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- I didn't think we'd make it back.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27- The search for five men - lost at sea off the Lleyn coast...
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- ..continued all afternoon.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Of course it's terrifying.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- You put your faith - in the boat and the crew.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- You can't help but be afraid.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- It's a comfort to know - the boat is safe.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- The RNLI did everything they could - to make sure we were safe.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Only a fool would be unafraid.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- The sea demands our respect.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- We can't take anything for granted.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- The sea is unforgiving.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- The RAF Valley helicopter - saved two people.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- Tragically, the rest drowned.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- One body was recovered.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- To this day, five are missing.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Nobody will forget that night.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- It's a shame we can't return - the bodies to the families.
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- We do save lives 99% of the time.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- We fail 1% of the time.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- After being home to - the Porthdinllaen lifeboat...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- ..for 100 years...
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- ..it's the end - of an era for the boathouse.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- It's sad to see it come down.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- But we'll have - a brand new boathouse.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- It'll be nice to see the progress - from month to month...
0:22:32 > 0:22:38- ..to the day when she finally - goes down the slip.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- We see something new every day.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- The big difference is seeing - the old boathouse coming down.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:56 > 0:23:56- .