Thanks to the success of our Support St Abbs Lifeboat campaign, on 24th March 2016 we were able to announce that we have ordered our new lifeboat.
A rendering of our new lifeboat.
We’ve ordered a 900W Rigid Inflatable Boat from MST (Marine Specialised Technology Ltd) based in Liverpool. MST is the world’s leading provider of Rigid Inflatable and High Speed Workboats for military and professional use. They also build the RNLI’s E-Class Lifeboats.
“This is an ideal boat for the rescue work we are involved in at St Abbs and will increase the Search and Rescue capabilities along the Berwickshire Coast. We look forward to St Abbs coming back on station as an accredited SAR service…. The fundraising and hard work to achieve this continues on all fronts. Once we are in a position to do so, we will announce plans for delivery and launching of the service based around our traditional lifeboat day at the end of July.” – Alistair Crowe, Chairman of the St Abbs Lifeboat.
A lot of hard work went into selecting the right boat for the new St Abbs Lifeboat station. Back in January a small team visited MST, toured the factory and then took a run out on the Mersey in a demonstration craft. Our coxswains were very impressed with the performance and handling of the craft.
Our Coxswain Paul Crowe takes the 900W demo craft out on the Mersey.The make and model (MST 900W) of lifeboat we have ordered is also operated by Maryport Inshore Rescue Service (www.maryportrescue.co.uk). Back in January 2016 our fellow lifeboatmen in Maryport kindly showed a small group of us around their boat and station.
The “E-ON Spirit of Maryport” operated by the Maryport Inshore Rescue Services.
Technical details of the new lifeboat:
- Name: Thomas Tunnock
- Manufacturer: Marine Specialised Technology
- Model: 900W
- Crew: 4
- Length LOA: 9 metres
- Beam BOA: 3.05 metres
- Beam internal: 1.95 metres
- Draught: 0.7 metres or 1 metres to base of skegs at 100% fuel and 4 pax
- Displacement approx.: 2600kg
- Maximum speed: 40 kts (to be confirmed)
- Fual capacity: 2 x 150 litres
- Range approx.: 150 nautical miles (173 miles or 278 km)
- Construction: Polyester Glass Reinforced Resin (GPR) construction using GRP protected marine ply under deck structure.
- Engines: Twin OBM Mercury Optimax 200 HP units modified with PIRS (Post Immersion Restart System)
- Survivor capacity: 12
If you would like to make a donation to the new St Abbs Lifeboat you can do it now on our Just Giving page
