An ageing fisheries vessel is being retired and donated by Wales to the Liberian Government. Its place is being taken by FPV Lady Megan, which was officially launched in Conwy this week.

Champagne was cracked open to launch a new fisheries patrol vessel (FPV) that’s been built to protect Welsh waters from illegal fishing.

FPV Lady Megan was officially launched and named at Conwy marina – at the same time as her predecessor was handed over to the Liberian Government.

The old boat, FPV Aegis, will be renamed the “Pride of Wales” and used to protect the 40,000 or more Liberians who use dugout canoes to catch fish to feed their families.

The donation was facilitated by the Welsh Government’s “Wales for Africa” team following talks with the World Bank Fisheries Department, the EU Fisheries Team and Liberian fisheries institutions.

In return, Liberian ambassador Gurly T Gibson Schwarz presented a “handshake” gift to rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths .

Eluned Morgan, minister for international relations, said: “This (donation) will make a massive difference to the Liberian people.

Source: Daily Post