Severn class lifeboat in Kirkwall to undergo refit
In our third century of lifesaving, the RNLI’s Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes, has outlined key changes that need to be made to ensure the charity is able to meet the demands and requirements of saving lives at sea around the coasts of the UK and Ireland to save every one.
All-weather lifeboats have a lifespan of around 25 years. Over time, the Severn and Tamar class of all-weather lifeboats will be replaced with fewer, more capable lifeboats. The charity will develop and deliver a programme to replace these lifeboats over the next 15 years.
The money previously raised for the Severn Life Extension Project (SLEP) will contribute towards a refit of Kirkwall’s current Severn-class lifeboat Margaret Foster later this year. The refit will include a full overhaul of the engines and the installation of a new, state-of-the-art navigation system.
RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes, said: ‘The exciting new programme will ensure the RNLI can continue to provide the best lifeboats and equipment for our volunteer crew and making best use of the funds donated by our generous supporters.’
ENDS
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 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.
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