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After 33 years in Scotland, the Mersey-class lifeboat bows out in Anstruther

Lifeboats News Release

The last of Scotland’s Mersey-class lifeboats ended lifesaving operations in Anstruther at 10.00am this morning (Tuesday 27 August), signalling the end of an era in Scottish maritime rescue.

The Shannon-class lifeboat (13-47) replaces the Mersey-class lifeboat (12-17) following 33 years' service in Anstruther

Lynsey Melville Photography

The Shannon-class lifeboat (13-47) replaces the Mersey-class lifeboat (12-17) following 33 years' service in Anstruther

RNLB Kingdom of Fife arrived in Anstruther on 21 August 1991, and during her service has completed 508 rescues, coming to the aid of 469 people and has saved 39 lives. Her 33-year reign came to an end today following the successful introduction of a Shannon-class lifeboat in the Fife town.

The £2.5m Shannon, RNLB Robert and Catherine Steen, assumes operational service and brings with it an enhancement in lifesaving capabilities. With a top speed of 25-knots – almost 50% faster than the Mersey – the Shannon will reach those in need much quicker, allowing Anstruther to cover a larger area of coastline.

It’s a bittersweet day in Anstruther as the Mersey enters retirement and is replaced by her state-of-the-art successor, but the change has been months in the offing and is the culmination of endless hours of training by the volunteer crew. Anstruther’s Lifeboat Operations Manager Roy Giles is extremely proud of the effort made by all in reaching this milestone.

Roy said: ‘Since a Shannon-class lifeboat arrived for training back in February, our volunteer crew have put in an incredible amount of time and effort in to get our new lifeboat on service. We estimate that over 60 launch and recoveries have taken place as our crews learn a completely new way of working. I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting us to this stage as we look forward to a new era of lifesaving here in Anstruther.’

Anstruther lifeboat station will host its annual open day this Saturday (31 August) where supporters can see both lifeboats side-by-side in what will be one the final opportunities to see a Mersey-class lifeboat in Scotland. Plans are afoot for a fitting departure in the coming weeks.

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

  • Interviews are available by request to Martin Macnamara
  • Outside of Scotland, three Mersey-class lifeboats remain in service (Aldeburgh, Newcastle and Douglas)

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Martin Macnamara, RNLI Communications Lead for Scotland on 07920 365929 or [email protected].

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Communications Manager for Scotland, on 07826900639 or [email protected]

Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

The Mersey-class lifeboat has launched 508 times since 1991, saving 39 lives.

Stephen Duncombe

The Mersey-class lifeboat has launched 508 times since 1991, saving 39 lives.
The Shannon-class lifeboat arriving in Anstruther in April this year.

Lynsey Melville Photography

The Shannon-class lifeboat arriving in Anstruther in April this year.
RNLB Kingdom of Fife arrived in August 1991 and has served Anstruther for 33 years.

RNLI

RNLB Kingdom of Fife arrived in August 1991 and has served Anstruther for 33 years.
The Shannon-class lifeboat commenced operational service at 10.00am on Tuesday 27 August 2024

Nick Leach

The Shannon-class lifeboat commenced operational service at 10.00am on Tuesday 27 August 2024
The Shannon-class lifeboat has a top speed of 25-knots – almost 50% faster than the Mersey – the Shannon will reach those in need much quicker, allowing Anstruther to cover a larger area of coastline.

Andrew Cowan

The Shannon-class lifeboat has a top speed of 25-knots – almost 50% faster than the Mersey – the Shannon will reach those in need much quicker, allowing Anstruther to cover a larger area of coastline.

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.

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