Donate now

RNLI Lerwick gifted thermal imaging binoculars to aid night searches

Lifeboats News Release

Lerwick Lifeboat crew has recently accepted a donation of thermal imaging binoculars to aid their night-time search and rescue capability from the UK-based charity The Skipasund Foundation.

Group photo - Ingvar Haraldsson (right) presents thermal imaging binoculars to crew of Lerwick Lifeboat. Pictured from left are: Kal McCulloch, Crew member. Paul Hutchison, Mechanic; and Stephen Manson, Coxswain. Photo: RNLI Lerwick

RNLI Lerwick

Ingvar Haraldsson (right) presents thermal imaging binoculars to crew of Lerwick Lifeboat. Pictured from left are: Kal McCulloch, Crew member. Paul Hutchison, Mechanic; and Stephen Manson, Coxswain. Photo: RNLI Lerwick
The binoculars, manufactured by imaging specialist PULSAR, feature a high-resolution thermal sensor that can detect heat sources in complete darkness up to distances of 2km.

The waterproof binoculars, which retail for almost £6000, also have a laser rangefinder, accurate up to 1000m, as well as a built-in photo and video recorder that can wirelessly transfer digital images to other devices or by cable to a computer hard drive.

Haraldur Agustsson, founder of The Skipasund Foundation said: “We’re proud to be able to support the incredible work of Lerwick Lifeboat crew and we hope this new equipment helps them to save lives at sea. I have been closely linked to the sea in various ways and the RNLI has always been very close to my heart.”

Stephen Manson, Coxswain said: “These binoculars will be an important asset for our crew to use during searches in darkness and we’re very grateful for this generous donation from The Skipasund Foundation.

“It’s always difficult to spot any casualty in the sea or coastline at night, especially if they’re not wearing anything reflective. The thermal images from these binoculars will save valuable time spent searching, so we can reach a casualty quicker.”

On behalf of The Skipasund Foundation, Haraldur’s son, Ingvar Haraldsson, recently presented the binoculars to the crew at Lerwick Lifeboat station.

The Skipasund Foundation’s purpose is to support UK national charities with a particular focus on helping the next generation, addressing disadvantage and improving public safety. The foundation was established by Haraldur Agustsson, CEO of Globus Group. More details at: https://theskipasundfoundation.org/
Close up of the binoculars - being held between two hands.

RNLI Lerwick

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, Twitter 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.

Categories