His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has announced the name of the newest boat of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM). This lifeboat will bear the name Prins Johan Friso, a tribute to the King’s brother, who died in 2013.
The King unveiled this special boat name during the premiere of “Symphony of Water” as part of 200 years of KNRM on Friday, 11 October. This performance is an ode to all 1500 volunteers who make KNRM’s rescue work possible.
Jacob Tas, KNRM director: ‘It is wonderful that the King is supporting the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution and all its volunteers in this way. As the connection with our royal family has been there for 200 years since it was founded in 1824. This new boat, with a very special name, is a wonderful addition to make the rescue work of our rescuers possible.’
Also read: Exhibition: Rescuers at sea: 200 years of KNRM
200 years of KNRM
In 2024, KNRM will celebrate 200 years, an anniversary year full of activities, events and campaigns for volunteers, donors and the general public. The jubilee year will run from 11 November 2023 to 11 November 2024, KNRM’s official birthday. The overarching theme is ‘surrounded by the past, moving towards the future’. Over 30,000 volunteer rescuers have kept the water safe since 1824. And for the next 200 years too, KNRM is committed to safe working, living and recreation on the water.
For Symphony of the Water, several well-known artists drew inspiration from the work of the rescue company and the stories of the rescuers. Before and after the performance, the King, the new mayor of Rotterdam Carola Schouten and Commissioner of the King Wouter Kolff talked to a delegation of KNRM’s more than 1500 volunteers.
Picture (top): King Willem Alexander unveils name of the new KNRM boat together with Stef Blok and KNRM director Jacob Tas (photo Nathan Reinds).
Also read: Quiet but exciting rescue year for KNRM
