Arbroath RNLI bid farewell to the Mersey-class lifeboat after 30 years’ service
This Sunday (17 March) will see Arbroath’s Mersey-class lifeboat glide down the slipway for the final time, ending over 30 years’ service. RNLB Inchcape arrived in the Angus town back in 1993, and during her service has launched on 460 rescues, aiding 304 people, and has saved 12 lives.
It’s also the end of an era in Scotland with Arbroath the last remaining all-weather lifeboat to be launched freely down a slipway. Inchcape was funded by the Arbroath community in the early-90’s and is named after the ‘Inchcape Reef’ at the Bell Rock.
Although Sunday will see a change of lifeboat in the town, something that has not changed is the selfless dedication of the Arbroath crew, who have endured a difficult year but look forward with confidence at the next chapter of lifesaving in the town.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ron Churchill, has volunteered with the RNLI since 2 May 1981, sailing for 24 years on the Mersey, and looks back with pride at the service the boat has offered. Ron said: I spent 10 years on RNLB Shoreline before the Mersey arrived in 1993. The Mersey-class was double the speed of the Rother-class and the electronic advancements with the navigational equipment was a massive boost to us. The Mersey has been a wonderful servant to the station and town, and will be sorely missed, but we look forward to starting the next chapter on Sunday.”
The Atlantic 85 lifeboat will go on service on Sunday following months of trials and familiarisation which has seen the introduction of six new volunteer crew members to learn the ropes, and three of the Arbroath crew complete assessments to take charge of the lifeboat.
One of those crew members is Michael Marr, and Michael will sail as navigator on Sunday for the Mersey’s final launch. And Michael can look back fondly on his time as crew: “I joined as a volunteer on my 17th birthday and have spent 16 years as crew on the Mersey. She has been an excellent asset to the town and we’re very proud of the difference she has made to lifesaving since 1993.”
The klaxon will sound one final time at 3pm on Sunday as the lifeboat leaves Arbroath under a guard of honour from Montrose and Broughty Ferry RNLI.
ENDS
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