GIRVAN Lifeboat Station is set to welcome the new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat.
The first of its kind on the west coast of Scotland, the £2.1 million lifeboat will be replacing Girvan’s Mersey class lifeboat.
Officially launched on Tuesday, September 5, she was funded by The John & Elizabeth Allan Memorial Trust and will be named ‘RNLB ELIZABETH AND GERTRUDE ALLAN’.
Craig Sommerville for Girvan Lifeboat Station, said: “When Girvan lifeboat station had its coastal review a couple of years ago, it was announced that our Mersey class lifeboat 12-37 ‘Silvia Burrell’ was nearing the end of its 25-year operational life, and to this end it would be due to be replaced.
“With a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles, the self-righting Shannon all-weather lifeboat is ideally suited for offshore searches or equally rescues in calmer. shallower waters.
"Her twin Scania 650hp engines provides enough power to tow large vessels – and her waterjet technology allows her to manoeuvre in shallow waters, much easier than with traditional propellers seen on our current lifeboats.
“Her arrival will be a major milestone for Girvan, and indeed in terms of lifesaving on the west coast of Scotland, where we thank the community for their continued support and hope to see a fantastic turnout to welcome her home when the time arises.
“Our current lifeboat Silvia Burrell has served us and the local community very well indeed and although we will as a station be sad to see her go, we look forward with great excitement in being part of the next chapter for Girvan Lifeboat Station.”
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