Shannon class lifeboat confirmed at Anstruther after successful station trials
In May 2016, the RNLI revealed that the all-weather lifeboat at Anstruther Lifeboat Station will be upgraded to a Shannon class lifeboat. The Shannon, capable of speeds of 27 knots, is the latest design by the RNLI and the most agile in the fleet.
It was particularly important to test the operational limits of the new launch and recovery system in the challenging environment of the deep mud of the outer harbour. Pushing the rig to its limits provided valuable information on how the Shannon might best be launched and recovered in the future.
This was the first time the launching rig had been brought to Anstruther and so the operational trials also provided an excellent opportunity for the volunteer crew of Anstruther Lifeboat Station to see the new equipment in action.
Anstruther Lifeboat Station remained fully operational throughout the trials, with the relief lifeboat Lifetime Care kept afloat and ready to respond 24/7 if required.
Station Coxswain Michael Bruce said ‘after 25 years working with the Mersey class Kingdom of Fife, it is a real honour for us at Anstruther to be part of the upgrade to Shannon class lifeboat in the coming years. This week was a great opportunity for us all to learn about the changes needed to hold the state-of-the-art equipment here at Anstruther and has allowed myself and the crew to see first-hand the changes the RNLI are making in allowing us the current technologies to further strengthen our capabilities and aim to save lives at sea’.
The trials were deemed a huge success and it’s now over to the RNLI project team to plan the next stage of this exciting development.
RNLI media contacts: RNLI Anstruther volunteer lifeboat press officer, Martin Macnamara, on 07969 773075, [email protected]
Or RNLI Anstruther volunteer deputy lifeboat press officer, Rebecca Jewell, 07825 813211, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.