Appeal underway to help fund new RNLI lifeboat for Salcombe

The Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal will support the arrival of a new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, due to come on service at the station in 2027.

The appeal gets underway as local supporters and businesses have already begun backing the campaign, helping build momentum for fundraising efforts over the coming months.

The RNLI's new Shannon class lifeboat for Salcombe will cost £2.7 million. Through a partnership that has supported Salcombe RNLI since the 1960s, London based financial services company The Baltic Exchange has committed to raising £1.25 million towards the new lifeboat, with the new vessel set to be called The Baltic Exchange IV.

The Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal is aiming to raise a further £450,000 locally, giving the community an opportunity to play a direct role in funding the station's future lifesaving service. Together, these fundraising efforts will contribute £1.7 million towards the new lifeboat, with a further £1 million being provided through legacy donations.

In 2027, the new Shannon class lifeboat will replace Salcombe's current Tamar class lifeboat, The Baltic Exchange III, which has served the community since 2008.

The introduction of the Shannon class lifeboat forms part of the RNLI's wider fleet strategy, ensuring the charity continues to invest supporters' donations where they can best meet changing lifesaving demand and help volunteers save more lives, while keeping crews safe.

At Salcombe, the state-of-the-art Shannon class lifeboat will work alongside the station's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to provide lifesaving cover along the south Devon coast. As the RNLI's most advanced all-weather lifeboat, it is designed to operate in some of the most challenging rescue conditions.

Philip Ward, Chair of the Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal, spoke at a recent launch event held in Salcombe for local businesses and supporters and said:

‘We're delighted with the support the appeal has already received and grateful to everyone who has helped us get this campaign underway.

‘Salcombe has a proud RNLI heritage, and it's fantastic to see local people and businesses already coming together to support the appeal.

‘This new lifeboat will serve our community for decades to come, but we still have a significant amount to raise. Every donation, fundraising event and partnership will help bring The Baltic Exchange IV to Salcombe and support the future of lifesaving in our area.

‘Together, we can help ensure our volunteer crews have the equipment they need to continue saving lives at sea for generations to come.’

James Marshall volunteer crew member at Salcombe RNLI, said:

‘For our volunteer crews, the Shannon class lifeboat will provide exceptional search and rescue capability for the future.

‘It's enhanced manoeuvrability and up to date technology will give our crews an exceptionally capable lifeboat for the conditions we encounter around Salcombe and along this stretch of coastline.

‘When the pager goes off, having the right equipment can make all the difference. Knowing that local people are helping to make this lifeboat possible is incredibly special and demonstrates just how much the community values its lifeboat service.’

People wishing to support the Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal can make a donation, organise a fundraising event or find out more about ways to get involved by visiting RNLI.org/SalcombeAppeal

Notes to editors

• Salcombe RNLI is due to receive a new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat in 2027.
• The Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal aims to raise £450,000 towards the new lifeboat.
• Baltic Exchange has committed to raising £1.25 million towards Salcombe RNLI's new Shannon class lifeboat as part of its longstanding partnership with the station.
• Together, the local appeal and Baltic Exchange fundraising commitment will contribute £1.7 million towards the new lifeboat, with a further £1 million coming from legacy donations.
• The replacement of Salcombe's current Tamar class lifeboat forms part of the RNLI's wider fleet strategy, ensuring the charity's resources are deployed where they can best meet changing lifesaving demand.
• The Shannon class lifeboat is the RNLI's newest all-weather lifeboat and is powered by waterjets rather than propellers. The lifeboat can operate in less than 50cm of water, enabling it to cross shallow waters more effectively than traditional propeller-driven lifeboats.

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For further information, please contact:

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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