Currently the Bailiwick is served by St Peter Port’s Spirit of Guernsey Severn-class lifeboat and Alderney’s Inner Wheel II Trent-class lifeboat.
But these are expected to be replaced with Shannon-class lifeboats by the end of 2027.
‘The changes to all three all-weather lifeboats across the three islands to provide the most up-to-date lifeboat and technology signifies the commitment and investment of the RNLI in lifesaving in the Channel Islands, and puts our volunteers in the best position as we enter our third century of saving lives at sea,’ said RNLI’s south-west regional head Adrian Carey.
‘Having the same class of all-weather lifeboat across the three islands means there is a standardisation of technology and equipment, improving the resilience of the RNLI fleet.’
The Shannon is the latest class of all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. It includes the very latest in lifesaving technology, including enhanced navigation tools.
These allow each crew member access to navigational and systems information from any position within the wheelhouse.
The Shannon is propelled by water jets rather than traditional propellers, making them extremely manoeuvrable and agile, with an ability to operate well in both deep and shallow water.
Mr Carey said the standardisation across the fleet would allow technicians to better support the islands and store spare parts which will reduce the reliance on delivery from the UK.
Head of Guernsey Coastguard James Way welcomed the move.
‘The RNLI’s volunteer crews show incredible skill, dedication, and professionalism, often in challenging conditions,’ he said.
‘Providing them with the latest, Shannon-class lifeboats ensures they are equipped to respond to emergencies as effectively and safely as possible. Modernising and aligning the fleet across the islands strengthens resilience, enhances cooperation, and ultimately helps to save more lives at sea.’
The changes to lifeboats in the Channel Islands is part of a nationwide lifeboat fleet strategy, with 20 lifeboat stations operating around the UK and Ireland also expected to switch vessels.
In addition to the all-weather lifeboat changes, the current Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats at St Peter Port and Jersey will be modernised with a whole-body vibration-reducing technology and wireless communication systems.
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