Portpatrick Lifeboat Station to welcome new lifeboat as part of RNLI fleet strategy
The new Coastal lifeboat will arrive between 2028 and 2030
Portpatrick Lifeboat Station is gearing up for a fleet upgrade as part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) 2040 Fleet Strategy.
The station's current Shannon-class lifeboat will be replaced by the new Coastal lifeboat between 2028 and 2030.
This move comes after the RNLI conducted a comprehensive review to ensure lifeboats are best positioned to save lives while safeguarding the volunteer crews.
Understanding the Fleet Strategy
Data shows that 98% of lifeboat responses between 2017 and 2024 occurred within 10 nautical miles of the shore.
The upcoming Coastal lifeboat is designed to be faster and more suited to reaching casualties near the coast.
It will allow crews to operate closer to rocks and challenging areas when conditions permit.
Portpatrick's volunteer crew is looking forward to training with the new lifeboat, which promises enhanced capabilities for their lifesaving missions.
Features of the Coastal Lifeboat
The RNLI website details the Coastal Lifeboat’s features, including modernisation to enhance operational capability, digital systems integration, and a sustainable operating model.
Equipped with a watertight wheelhouse, the Coastal lifeboat will be self-righting and offer greater capability than existing inshore lifeboats.
It is optimised for operations within 0 to 10 nautical miles offshore and remains capable of extending up to 25 nautical miles.
Bridging the Gap in Lifeboat Capabilities
The Coastal lifeboat will bridge the gap between Atlantic 85 Mk4 and Shannon class lifeboats, enhancing weather endurance, towing, casualty care, and crew comfort.
Further updates on the lifeboat's arrival will be provided as plans progress throughout the fleet transition.
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