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Arbroath RNLI crew statement - 13 July 2023

Lifeboats News Release

Following the announcement by the RNLI to replace our Mersey class all-weather lifeboat with a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat we would, in the first instance, like to thank all those who have supported us and campaigned tirelessly on our behalf over recent weeks.

Nicholas Leach

The Atlantic 85 Lifeboat at Stonehaven RNLI.
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This has of course been an extremely challenging period for all associated with Arbroath lifeboat station. As has been well publicised, a number of colleagues with immeasurable experience and many years commitment to volunteering with the RNLI are no longer with us on the crew. The impact of this is both professional and personal as these former colleagues were not only highly respected crew members but were, and remain, our close friends. We are extremely grateful for everything they have given to our station.

However, despite the best efforts of so many, it has become clear that the RNLI will not reconsider their original decision. With that in mind we must, as volunteer crew, now look to the future and ensure that we continue to do what has been done by our predecessors for over 200 years at Arbroath, which is save lives at sea and help those most in need along our beautiful but dangerous coastline.

Our commitment to being there for those who need our help most will remain unwavering, irrespective of the assets we are provided with to do the job. Therefore, we hereby issue notice of our intention to begin familiarisation and crew training on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat with immediate effect.

Whilst this process is ongoing, our operational capabilities as they are at present will remain unchanged.

This has undoubtedly been a very difficult decision for us to make, however we hope that all those who have stood by us for so long will continue to support us as we look forward to the future of Arbroath RNLI.

Arbroath RNLI lifeboat crew have no further comment on this matter.

RNLI media contacts
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

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