It is of great sadness to learn that Porthcawl RNLI have lost a long term friend and indeed in recent years, a volunteer at our station.
Peter Furlong was extremely experienced in all nautical matters particularly along the South Wales coast.
Philip Missen, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl said, ‘We first got to know Peter as HM Coastguard, Station Officer at Porthcawl when in those days there were about five full time coastguards all based at Porthcawl.
Peter was committed and more than willing to share his considerable nautical knowledge gained in the Royal Navy, becoming a staff member of Porthcawl Sea Cadets. He was later to become HMC Sector Manager for South Wales then further promotion saw him and his wife Pam move to Norfolk.
On his retirement they returned to Porthcawl and Peter’s experience stood him well as an RNLI volunteer where he would show visiting parties around our lifeboat station.
Having worked closely with Peter on many shouts we became very good friends, in fact all our crew had great respect for Peter.
Our sincere condolences go to Pam and her family at this very sad time. For all of us associated with the sea, especially in the Porthcawl area, he will be sadly missed as our friend.’