RNLI’s super fast ultra modern lifeboat
The RNLI plans to replace in 2017 Amble’s Mersey class lifeboat The Four Boys, which is reaching the end of its planned 25-year life span.
The new lifeboat will cost £2M and the RNLI is currently working to identify whether the funding can be raised from legacy gifts or whether fundraising activity is needed.
The Shannon is the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to operate with water jets, not propellers. Capable of 25 knots, the Shannon is 50% faster than the classes it has been designed to replace. The Shannon class will also improve safety for the charity’s volunteer crews, thanks to its shock absorbing seats and on-board computer system, which allows the crews to operate and monitor the lifeboat from the safety of their seats.
Michael Vlasto, RNLI Operations Director says: “I have had the privilege of being involved with the RNLI for over 38 years. In that time I have witnessed great advances in the charity’s lifeboats and seen many new vessels arrive on station. However, I have never seen our volunteer crews quite as excited as they are about the Shannon.”
Rodney Burge, Amble RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘Naturally we’ll be sad to say goodbye to The Four Boys, but as she’ll be nearing the end of her operational life, everyone at the station is delighted that we’ll be receiving a Shannon class lifeboat. Her arrival will be greeted with much enthusiasm by our volunteer crew and we’re sure her increased capabilities and manoeuvrability will enhance our ability to save lives at sea.’
The Shannon has been developed by the RNLI’s in-house team of naval architects, marine engineers and operators. Eventually, this class of lifeboat will make up a third of the RNLI all-weather lifeboat fleet.
