Hastings RNLI 13-28 returns home after maintenance
Hastings RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Richard and Caroline Colton (13-28) has returned to her home station after a period of scheduled maintenance, much to the delight of the volunteer crew.
The Shannon lifeboat has been based at Hastings RNLI since 2018 and provides a vital 24/7 search-and-rescue service along the Sussex coastline. Designed to operate in the most challenging sea conditions, the Shannon class represents the cutting edge of RNLI lifesaving capability.
The lifeboat is named Richard and Caroline Colton following a generous legacy that included the sale of two classic Ferrari motor cars: a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB and a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, with proceeds contributing towards the funding of the vessel and her ‘SLARS’ (Shannon Launch and Recovery System).
During her time away, 13-28 underwent routine maintenance to ensure she remains in peak operational condition, ready to respond at any hour of the day or night. While she was off station, cover was provided by a relief Shannon class lifeboat to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service from Hastings continued uninterrupted.
Dr Sarah Milne, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Hastings RNLI, said: ’It’s wonderful to have 13-28 back on station. Our crews train extensively with both our Shannon and our D-class lifeboat, and each plays a vital role in our lifesaving service along the Hastings coastline.’
‘We’re extremely grateful to the public whose generosity funds the RNLI’s lifesaving work and keeps our volunteer crews rescue ready.’
As a charity, the RNLI relies on public donations to fund its lifesaving service. The volunteer crew at Hastings is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, continuing the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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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.