
RNLI undertakes review to ensure Douglas is allocated best lifesaving asset
A consultation and data review is being launched to ensure the Douglas RNLI crew have a lifeboat, best suited to the risk profile of this stretch of coastline.
Due to the ongoing infrastructure challenges and the length of time since a Shannon class lifeboat was initially allocated to Douglas in 2016, it is appropriate the RNLI now launches a consultation exercise, including a thorough data review, to assess the best lifesaving resource for Douglas. The RNLI has a duty to use our donors’ money wisely and it is crucial that any investment is balanced against the potential lifesaving impact delivered.
The RNLI will now begin a comprehensive consultation alongside a detailed data review to determine the best lifesaving asset for the station. The RNLI will consider all submissions during the process and review all feedback.
A recommendation will then be put forward to a dedicated asset review committee before being approved by the RNLI’s Executive Team who will ensure that all factors have been thoroughly considered. The final recommendation will then be ratified by the RNLI’s Board of Trustees.
The station’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat is currently based on a liner berth on a temporary basis, due to a safety issue with the winch in the boathouse. Douglas’ lifeboat is one of only two remaining Merseys in the RNLI’s fleet, which will be retired in 2025. A decision is now required to ensure the RNLI can provide an optimised lifesaving service at Douglas into the future.
The current lifeboat station has also operated beyond life expectancy with the crew based in a temporary facility. The RNLI is constantly reviewing operations to ensure we continue to deliver the most effective service. These reviews take into account factors such as the changing trends in water use, local environmental change, search and rescue demand, the improving capabilities of modern lifeboats, and evolving technologies.
As the original decision to allocate a Shannon to Douglas was made eight years ago, it is prudent to review the allocation in a consultation process which will take into account updated insights and information along with stakeholder submissions and comprehensive data.
RNLI Head of Region for Wales, the West and Isle of Man Jo Partner says:
‘Douglas was originally allocated a Shannon class lifeboat to replace the ageing Mersey. Despite the expenditure of significant effort and resources by the RNLI over many years, we have been unable to secure a long-term solution for a new lifeboat station at Douglas.
‘Due to the passing of time and challenges we have faced, undertaking a detailed review to help us to assess the best lifesaving asset for this location is the right thing to do. The review will help substantiate negotiations with the Isle of Man Government as we continue to work closely to achieve a viable, cost effective and sustainable site for Douglas RNLI.
‘We realise it has been a challenging time for all at Douglas RNLI. We are confident this review will secure a way forward for the station, as we are committed to the station and its future and hope we can now work together to find a solution. I would like to thank everyone for their help, support and patience.
Peter Washington, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Douglas RNLI says:
‘I would like to thank the whole team at Douglas for their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea despite the challenges we have faced from an infrastructure perspective over many years. Whilst this was not the news we were hoping for, we understand our Mersey will be coming out of service next year and it is essential we find a way forward to ensure the crew can continue to operate. We are heartened to hear of the RNLI's commitment to Douglas RNLI and are confident this review will now shape a way forward and help us to find a permanent home for the most appropriate asset for our station.'
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For more information please contact Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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