New lifeboat debuts in Sheringham

The volunteer crew at Sheringham RNLI lifeboat station will be taking receipt of a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat - the first in Norfolk - this week.

A new Atlantic 85 lifeboat has been generously donated by the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows. The lifeboat was built at the RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes on the Isle of Wight at a cost of £135K. 

The Atlantic 85 class lifeboat is replacing the Atlantic 75 class lifeboat, which has been at Sheringham since 1994. The new lifeboat is 8.3m in length, carries a crew of four and has a top speed of 35 knots. It features radar and GPS capabilities, including a VHF direction finder - meaning that crew will be able to locate missing people more easily as it tracks radio frequencies.

A new drive-on, drive-off launch carriage has also been delivered to the station to enable the launch of the new larger boat. The carriage features a number of operational improvements such as better illumination and an enhanced hydraulic lifting device. The carriage was generously funded by the same donors at a cost of £68K.

Sheringham RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Brian Farrow says:
'This is a great day for Sheringham and we are delighted to operate the most modern, up to date inshore lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. This magnificent lifeboat was given to Sheringham by our friends the Manchester Unity Independent order of Oddfellows who have supported the station in its lifesaving efforts for many years.'

Deputy Divisional Inspector of lifeboats, Allen Head comments:

'The new lifeboat will provide a significant operational improvement for the lifesaving efforts around the coast of Sheringham and beyond. The improved speed, electronics equipment and extra crew seat will enable the crew to locate casualties much quicker and therefore hopefully save more lives at sea.'

Since the station opened in 1838 it has carried out 505 launches and saved 320 lives.