|
|
Buncrana gets first €2.4m RNLI
super-boat
09.04.15
IRELAND'S first
Shannon-class lifeboat will be launched this Friday
by the RNLI at Buncrana Pier.
The €2.4m vessel is the first lifeboat class to be
named after an Irish river in recognition of the
role volunteer crews have played in the charity’s
190-year history here.
The Shannon is the latest class of all-weather
vessel to join the RNLI fleet and it is the first to
be propelled by water-jets rather than propellers.
It will eventually replace the Mersey and Tyne-class
lifeboats, which are nearing the end of their
operational lifecycle.
The Shannon has a top speed of 25 knots and a range
of 250 nautical miles.
Its water-jets make it highly manoeuvrable in all
seas and water-depth levels, allowing for deliberate
beaching in shallow water. |
|
|
|
The cutting edge Shannon class
lifeboat performing a beaching exercise during
trials. |
Other features include
a self-righting mechanism in the event of capsize;
minimal slamming in heavy seas and special
shock-absorption seats to protect the crew at
high-speeds.
Lough Swilly lifeboat station in Buncrana has been
in operation for 27 years. During that time, crews
have responded to more than 700 call outs, saving 47
lives and bringing 517 safely ashore.
Coxswain Mark Barnett will helm the new boat as it
is taken into Buncrana Pier during the special
lunchtime ceremony.
He said the cutting-edge vessel was a "huge
investment" by the RNLI in the local volunteer crew
and those who use Lough Swilly for their livelihoods
and leisure.
Meanwhile, Lough Swilly lifeboat operations manager
John McCarter said the new vessel would make
response times even faster and would provide “a
major advancement in lifesaving on the North West
coast”.
He also acknowledged the great financial support the
charity had received from fundraising volunteers and
the communities of Donegal north east.
The local lifeboat crew is hoping for a good turnout
from the public for the boat's launch at Buncrana
Pier at 12 noon on Friday, April 10. |
|
