Final slipway launch for Douglas RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat

First stationed at Douglas on the 25 November 1988, the Tyne class lifeboat has served for 29 years and is one of just two of this class of lifeboat still in service with the RNLI.

The replacement Shannon is scheduled to arrive once its berthing facility has been constructed.

Given the time the construction is likely to take Douglas RNLI will receive a Mersey class lifeboat in the interim to replace the ageing Sir William Hillary.

To allow the necessary modifications to be made to the Douglas lifeboat station slipway to accommodate the Mersey class lifeboat, Sir William Hillary will continue to maintain its lifesaving service afloat from the Douglas harbour's Liner Berth.

A Mersey class lifeboat is also to be berthed at Douglas so the volunteer crew can familiarise themselves with this newer type of lifeboat. On completion of this familiarisation and the necessary modifications to the station slipway, the Mersey lifeboat will take over the lifesaving services for Douglas at which point the Sir William Hillary will be retired.

Speaking about the final slipway launch, Douglas RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘After 29 years of service, it will be with a sense of pride and nostalgia that our volunteers and supporters will watch our lifeboat launch for a final time from the slipway. We will however, take great comfort from knowing the Sir William Hillary will be with us for a short time longer as we await the arrival of our new Mersey class lifeboat.’

That same Sunday in the afternoon the Annual Commemorative Service to honour the memory of Sir William Hillary, the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, will be held St George’s Church, Douglas at 3.00pm. After the service His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney KCMG CVO, will lay a wreath on the tomb of Sir William & Lady Hillary in St George’s Churchyard.

Prior to Sunday's events, on the Saturday Douglas lifeboat station are planning to hold an Open Day to give the public an opportunity to inspect the Sir William Hillary at close quarters.

Notes to editors
Caption for one attached photo: Launch of Douglas RNLI lifeboat Sir William Hillary. Credit: RNLI/Michael Howland

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Michael Howland, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07624 496029 or email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer Ireland, tel: 0876483547 / 00353876483547 or email [email protected]. Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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.