Newcastle RNLI bids farewell to last operational Mersey class lifeboat

The historic moment came at 12.20pm when coinciding with the number on the side of the Leonard Kent, the last Mersey went afloat from Newcastle, for a final time.

Onlookers gathered to watch the lifeboat go to sea via the unique falls launching system which has a history dating back to around 1785. This method has allowed the Mersey to be launched and recovered from a beach via a launch and recovery tractor and carriage, although the Mersey could also be launched from a slipway or lie afloat.

Volunteers from the RNLI’s flanking station at Kilkeel, made the journey in both their new all-weather Shannon class and existing Atlantic 85 class lifeboats and joined a flotilla after the Leonard Kent made way for its final voyage. Newcastle RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats were also launched while volunteers from Clogherhead, Kilkeel, Donaghadee, Larne and Portrush RNLI, travelled and watched from the shore as the Mersey got underway for the last time.

Proud custodians of a Mersey class lifeboat since 1993, it was an emotional day for lifeboat volunteers past and present, all of whom had the privilege to be onboard either one or both of the Merseys stationed at Newcastle for over three decades, the Eleanor and Bryant Girling and the Leonard Kent.

The Mersey was introduced into the RNLI fleet in 1988. Following a tradition of naming classes of lifeboats after rivers, this class was named after the River Mersey, which stretches for 70 miles from Stockport to Liverpool Bay.

The Mersey went on to be a great servant to the RNLI's fleet, enabling lifeboat crews to deliver their lifesaving role. With a top speed of 17 knots, it was the last all-weather lifeboat not to have a 25-knot capability.

During their lifespan, Mersey class lifeboats have been located at 52 stations across Ireland and the UK, including Newcastle, Clogherhead, Wicklow, Kilmore Quay and Clifden. In all, the Mersey launched over 11,800 times, with its volunteer crews coming to the aid of 13,784 people, 1,254 of whom were lives saved.

Its retirement means the entire RNLI fleet can now reach a speed of 25 knots meaning crews can get to casualties much quicker.

The move also heralds a new era of lifesaving for Newcastle RNLI who in recent months have welcomed two new inshore lifeboats, an Atlantic 85 and D class, both of which are now on service. While the station already had inshore capability with a D class, the Atlantic 85 is a new asset and the team dedicated themselves to training in preparation for the lifeboat going on service last month.

Declan Barry, who was Newcastle RNLI’s Coxswain on the final launch today, said: ‘This is of course a sad and emotional day for all at Newcastle RNLI and indeed for anyone who has had an association with a Mersey class lifeboat at any point during its almost 40-year history. It has been a wonderful lifeboat which has served us well in helping to bring people to safety while also ensuring the safety of our crews. We are indebted to all those who have helped fund these lifeboats and keep them afloat for so many years and we are equally grateful to all the volunteers, families and supporters behind them, without whom we couldn’t do our lifesaving work.

‘With time comes change and thanks to advances in technology, the RNLI retires lifeboats to upgrade to faster, more capable vessels while adapting to changing rescue needs, increasing safety, and ensuring efficiency. While we are nostalgic today as we bid farewell to the Mersey, we are also excited to be entering a new chapter in lifesaving as we look to putting our Atlantic 85 and D class lifeboats to sea to help anyone who comes into difficulty.’

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