Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat station welcomes new lifeboat
Crowds gathered around Portpatrick Harbour at 1.25pm on Sunday 19 November 2023 as the Shannon class, all-weather lifeboat 1325 Stella and Humfrey Berkeley sailed into its new home to the stately sounds of the bagpipes playing Highland Cathedral.
The all-weather lifeboat was accompanied into harbour by the current Portpatrick Lifeboat, Tamar Class, John Buchanan Barr, and Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat D-Class Sheila McDonald.
Portpatrick will be home to two lifeboats for the next couple of months as the volunteer crew undergo extensive familiarisation and training on the new lifeboat. During this time the John Buchanan Barr lifeboat will remain on service.
Once training is complete, the new Shannon class lifeboat will go into operational service and the John Buchanan Barr will end her service at Portpatrick RNLI and return to the all-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole for a refit before a decision is made on where the lifeboat can best serve the organisation next.
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, the RNLI harnessed cutting-edge technology to ensure this new lifeboat meets the demands of a 21st century rescue service.
Robert McQueen Coxswain Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat says: ‘It has been a busy and exhilarating time for our volunteer crew as we welcomed the Stella and Humfrey Berkeley onto station, and the next few months will continue to be busy as we carry out extensive training on the Shannon lifeboat. I can say manoeuvrability of the jet – driven boat is incredible. The agility of this boat together with the latest launch and recovery equipment on board will help us continue to save lives at sea no matter what the conditions. Myself and the rest of the crew would like to thank everybody for their continued support of Portpatrick RNLI lifeboat and for turning out to welcome the new boat this weekend. Special thanks to Gillian Robison for her beautiful bagpipe playing to welcome us home.'
Ian Beck, Chairman Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station adds: ‘Both the Tamar – class John Buchanan Barr and the Shannon – class Stella and Humfrey Berkeley were bequeathed to the RNLI and all the crew here at Portpatrick Lifeboat are uniquely aware and thankful that it is due to the generosity of these individuals and everyone who supports the RNLI charity that we are able to continue our lifesaving service'.
The RNLI are reliant on donations to support our lifesaving work. To find out more about leaving a gift in your will or to make a donation you can follow this link
https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money
Notes to editors
Portpatrick RNLI Coxswain Robert McQueen and Ian Beck, Chairman Portpatrick Lifeboat are available for interview
RNLI Shannon Class Lifeboat Costs – £2.5M – Source RNLI Loud and Clear 2023
Portpatrick lifeboat station has been operating since 1877. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/portpatrick-lifeboat-station
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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.
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