New inshore lifeboat for Barry Dock Lifeboat Station
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has announced that a D class inshore lifeboat will join the existing Trent class all-weather lifeboat at the station.
Barry Dock lifeboat station currently has a Trent class all-weather lifeboat. Following a coast review towards the end of last year, it has been decided that the station will receive a D class inshore lifeboat to help better cater for the demands on the lifeboat station.
The D class inshore lifeboat has been the workhorse of the RNLI for over 50 years since it was first introduced into the RNLI’s lifeboat fleet in 1963, with the design of the inflatable D class lifeboat continuing to evolve to meet changes in demand and technology. The D class is a highly manoeuvrable boat which usually operates closer to shore than all-weather lifeboats, with better capabilities for carrying out search and rescues in surf, shallow water and close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.
Paul Eastment, Area Life Saving Manager, said: ‘This is good news for Barry Dock and for the local area, and demonstrates our commitment to ensure we have the right types of lifeboat at our stations. The introduction of a D class inshore lifeboat at Barry Dock will meet the increasing demand for a response to a variety of call-outs where manoeuvrability and an ability to get close to the shore are invaluable.’
Notes to editors
Stock picture attached of an RNLI D class inshore lifeboat. Please credit RNLI/Nathan Williams
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