Falmouth RNLI to be allocated the RNLI’s newest, state of the art lifeboat

The Shannon is the latest class of all-weather lifeboat to join the RNLI fleet. Designed entirely in house by a team of RNLI engineers and built at the RNLI’s all weather lifeboat centre in Poole, Dorset, the charity harnessed cutting-edge technology to ensure this new lifeboat meets the demands of a 21st century rescue service.

Nick Lewis, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Falmouth said:

‘This is really exciting news for the station and the crew are looking forward to welcoming the new Shannon class lifeboat into Falmouth, where we will have a period of training and familiarisation before the lifeboat goes officially on service in 2025.’

The Shannon will work alongside the station’s current Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat to provide all weather cover to the port of Falmouth and beyond.

Dickon Berriman, RNLI Area Operations Manager says:

‘Falmouth is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in Cornwall and the volunteer crew respond to incidents ranging from paddleboarders caught out by the conditions, yachts and commercial fishing boats. The Shannon is the right vessel to take them into the RNLI’s next century of lifesaving.’

The Shannon is propelled by water jets rather than traditional propellers, making it extremely manoeuvrable and agile. It also has other features which makes it an ideal lifeboat for the types of incidents the crew respond to, including the operating a system which allows each crew member access to navigational and systems information from any position within the wheelhouse, making it the most versatile vessel in the RNLI’s fleet.

The Shannon’s system also means that crew spend less time standing up and moving around the lifeboat and so are less prone to injury in rough weather. With an ability to operate extremely well in both deep and shallower water, the Shannon is a versatile asset that will work well alongside the station’s Atlantic 85 within the river environments that make up part of Falmouth’s area of operation (River Fal, Percuil River and Helford River).

The current Severn class lifeboat has served the station for 23 years. While a refit was considered to extend its operational life, it would be a significant investment for the charity. This presented an opportunity for the RNLI to relook at the changing demands of its lifesaving service and what is the best lifesaving asset for Falmouth. The decision to replace the Severn with a Shannon ensures a sustainable future for all-weather lifeboat cover in the area and makes best use of the charity’s funds.

Nick adds:

‘While a final training schedule is yet to be confirmed, it’s likely that we will have two all-weather lifeboats in Falmouth for the next few months while the training is carried out. Richard Cox Scott has served our station and the waters around Falmouth for the last 23 years and she will be greatly missed. We’re looking forward to a new chapter in lifesaving at Falmouth RNLI.’

Notes to Editors

· A stock image of Falmouth’s current lifeboats, the all weather Severn class lifeboat and the inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat is attached, please credit Simon Culliford

· An image of St Ives RNLI Shannon Class lifeboat Nova Stachura is attached. Please credit RNLI/Steve Lowe

· Also attached an image of Well-on- Sea Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh during training credit RNLI/Ray West

Media contacts

For further information, please contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07920 818807 or [email protected] or Glen Reed, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected] or contact the RNLI press office at [email protected] or on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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