Holocaust survivor’s legacy funds new Larne lifeboat

Karen Black, a former crew member in Larne who named the new boat with, Lee Stirling, Scot Leitch, Pamela Dorman and Samantha Agnew who the crewed the new D-Class Terry. INLT 38-214-AM

The craft, dubbed Terry, was provided through the Pistol Benefit Fund, which was set up in memory of Frederick (Fred) and Theresa (Terry) Pistol and named Terry in memory of Fred’s beloved wife.

Attending the ceremony and a service of dedication at the weekend were members of the Pistol family, who have supported the work of the RNLI for many years.

Fred came to the UK from Austria as a 19-year old refugee fleeing the Holocaust. He married Theresa, a concert pianist, and discovered a passion for sailing that has been passed down through the family.

Every boat Fred bought was called Terry, after his wife, and Larne RNLI’s new D-class lifeboat now proudly bears the name.

Fred and Theresa’s son Neil and his wife Viveca were special guests along with their two sons, Ben and Josh.

Allan Dorman, Larne RNLI lifeboat operations manager, who accepted the lifeboat into the care of the station, said: “Every naming ceremony for a new lifeboat is a special occasion and this is no exception, as we honour the Pistol family and their generous lifesaving gift to the institution and the people of Larne.

“We will remember Frederick and Theresa through the work of this lifeboat and the volunteer crew and we will be the proud custodians of it for many years to come.”

Last year, Larne RNLI celebrated 20 years of lifesaving, during which time the volunteer lifeboat crew launched 411 times, saving 31 lives and rescuing 326 people.