Five Devon RNLI stations to receive new lifeboats by 2030

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 10:03 · Archive

Five Devon lifeboat stations will receive new boats by 2030 as the RNLI updates its fleet. Plymouth will be among the first stations in the country to get the new Coastal design, which will replace its large Severn class boat. Appledore, Salcombe and Torbay will receive Shannon class all-weather boats, whilst Ilfracombe will get a new Atlantic 85 Mk3, a high-speed rigid inflatable to replace its current Shannon class boat.

The RNLI says its data shows that the majority of incidents it responds to are now within reach of an inshore lifeboat. Between 2017 and 2025, 98 per cent of the charity's lifeboat response was within 10 nautical miles of the shore. Following this review, the RNLI has drawn up a 15-year fleet strategy, which includes introducing the new Coastal class in 2028.

Plymouth will receive its Coastal class boat in 2030. The RNLI says the new model is more sustainable and cost-effective, with a watertight wheelhouse and self-righting capability. It is designed to operate up to 10 nautical miles offshore but can stretch its range to 25 nautical miles. Torbay's Shannon-class boat, propelled by water jets instead of propellers, will arrive in 2029 and will carry a crew of six, compared to the current Severn class boat's seven.

Five Devon RNLI stations to receive new lifeboats by 2030 — Image: Exmouth Journal

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How it is being reported

Five Devon lifeboat stations set for new rescue boats in major RNLI fleet shake-upFive Devon lifeboat stations are to get new boats by 2030 as life-saving charity the RNLI updates its fleet.Exmouth Journal · 14 Oct, 09:30
Five Devon RNLI stations to receive new lifeboats in major fleet updateRNLI chief defends volunteers against abuse as charity announces new Devon boatsDevonLive · 13 Oct, 13:10

In this story: RNLI · Plymouth · Appledore · Salcombe · Torbay · Ilfracombe · Devon

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