Donate to the Salcombe Lifeboat Appeal

Salcombe RNLI volunteers need your help

Volunteer lifeboat crews at Salcombe RNLI have been dedicated to saving lives at sea since 1869. Their proud and courageous history runs through the veins of Salcombe’s close-knit community. As the nature of emergencies at sea changes, the Salcombe crew remain dedicated to providing a 24/7 rescue service. To help them be ready for the future and respond effectively to the changing way people are using the coast, Salcombe will take on a new, state-of-the-art, Shannon class lifeboat in 2027.

Salcombe is historically a fishing port, but its waters have become increasingly popular with recreational users. In the summer months, the town’s population jumps from 2,000 to 20,000. The crew also faces additional challenges posed by a notorious sand spit known as the Salcombe Bar.

A new Shannon would provide them with the technology and manoeuvrability required to navigate these challenges safely and more efficiently. Salcombe volunteers train in all conditions, dedicating their free time to saving lives at sea. Now, they need your help.

Why a Shannon would be a lifesaver

The Salcombe Bar is the location of one of the RNLI’s worst lifeboat tragedies. In 1916, the lifeboat William and Emma capsized and 13 of her 15-strong crew tragically drowned. The sand spit still poses challenges today, often creating very shallow waters which can’t be traversed by the station’s current lifeboat.

Additionally, the nature of how people are enjoying the coast has changed. Rather than incidents miles offshore, which require a Tamar class lifeboat, people are now getting into difficulty closer to the shore.

These types of rescues call for a more agile lifeboat. That’s where the Shannon comes in.

Designed by a team of RNLI engineers, the Shannon is propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellors, making her the most nimble and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat yet.

Fast, nimble, and kitted out with a state-of-the-art lifeboat management system, the Shannon is better suited for Salcombe’s lifesaving work.

Shannon class specs: what your donation will fund

• Waterjets for high manoeuvrability: nimble and able to float in shallow water, for when precision matters
• Systems and Information Management System: crew can monitor, operate and control the lifeboat’s systems from the safety of their seats
• Self-righting: if the lifeboat capsizes, it will automatically return to an upright position
• Modern navigation and communication: includes radar, VHF radio, and differential global positioning system
• Shelter cabin: provides shelter for 18 casualties. Overall, the Shannon can bring 61 survivors home safely
• Top speed of 25 knots: as fast as it is nimble

Salcombe RNLI: Generously supported by the Baltic Exchange

Since 2008, Salcombe has had a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, The Baltic Exchange III. This was part-funded by the Baltic Exchange, with whom the RNLI has a relationship that dates to 1962.

The Baltic Exchange has kindly pledged to contribute to Salcombe’s new Shannon class, which will be named The Baltic Exchange IV.

Mark Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the Baltic Exchange says: ‘The Baltic Exchange and its members are honoured to help fund the next lifeboat for Salcombe, continuing our support of the volunteer lifesavers.’

Make an impact on the next generation of lifesavers

Aspiring paramedic Tegan Flage is Salcombe’s youngest lifeboat volunteer. She was waiting outside the lifeboat station door on her 18th birthday ready to sign up and has since held the station record for the most hours spent at sea.

She is excited at the prospect of having a new Shannon, saying: ‘I had a go at driving a Shannon while training in Poole and it’s very manoeuvrable, so will be better at getting into tighter spaces. The Shannon will also be well equipped for crossing the bar.’