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New modern lifeboat announced for Dunbar RNLI
Dunbar RNLI is to receive a new modern Coastal Lifeboat to replace the current all-weather Trent class vessel due to retire in 2028.
The modern 11-metre, self-righting coastal vessel will be equipped with the latest marine technology and is designed to operate most effectively within ten nautical miles of the coast, while remaining capable of operating 25 nautical miles offshore. She will also be faster than the current Trent class, leading to improved response times, and will complement the station’s existing D class inshore lifeboat David Lauder, which will remain at the station.
Its arrival will mean Dunbar will say farewell to the all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor, the second of two Trent class vessels that have served the community with such distinction for over 30 years. After Dunbar welcomed Sir Ronald Pechell, Bt in 1995, it launched 206 times and rescued 171 people over 13 years before it was tragically damaged beyond repair in a storm in 2008. Her successor has been on service for 18 years and most notably came to the rescue of a Swedish couple from their yacht Ouhm in ten-metre waves in May 2009, an operation which earned coxswain Gary Fairbairn an RNLI bronze medal for gallantry and the volunteer crew certificates of service.
Dunbar RNLI coxswain Gary said: ‘The announcement that we are to receive the new Coastal Lifeboat signals an exciting chapter for Dunbar. A new modern lifeboat will ensure we are best equipped for the challenges ahead alongside our existing D class inshore lifeboat. Having a faster boat means we will be able to respond to emergencies far quicker and she will be benefit from the latest technology.
‘Although we will be sad to see our beloved Trent class lifeboat John Neville Taylor’go, we're looking forward to the next step in our station's future.’
The announcement is part of the RNLI's 2040 Lifeboat Fleet Strategy that has considered rescue and operational data as well as specialist insight to decide plans for our fleet's future.
Data compiled by the RNLI over many years shows that the majority of incidents the charity’s lifeboats respond to are now within the operational capabilities of an inshore lifeboat. Between 2017-2025, 98% of the RNLI’s lifeboat response was within 10 nautical miles of the shore, 1.8% was between 10 and 25 nautical miles and just 0.2% of incidents were at a range greater than 25 nautical miles offshore. RNLI lifeboats responded to 9,058 operational services in 2025, over three and half times what was expected 50 years ago.
Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive, said: ‘The RNLI has constantly evolved and improved our service over 202 years. We make evidence-based decisions and strive to ensure that we have the right lifeboats in the right places, at the right time to save as many lives as possible around the coast of the UK and Ireland and, crucially, to enable us to bring our selfless, dedicated people home safely. We are responding to the changing nature of lifesaving at sea by adapting our service to ensure it is fit for our nations' future needs.'
‘What will never change is our charity’s purpose, to save lives at sea and our mission, to save every one.’
Notes to editors
· Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.
· Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.
· It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.
· A file photo of Dunbar’s lifeboats can be viewed here.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Douglas Wight, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, douglas[email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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.