New
RNLI lifeboat goes into service at Cullercoats
Cullercoats
RNLI lifeboat station has become the first in the north of
England to operate a new class of inshore lifeboat –
the Atlantic 85.
Cullercoats
is the sixth lifeboat station in the UK to receive an Atlantic
85. The lifeboat, named Hylton Burdon arrived at Cullercoats
on Friday and is expected to officially go into service within
the next week following days of intensive training for the
volunteer crew and shorehelpers.
The Atlantic
85 is the most technologically advanced inshore lifeboat in
the RNLI fleet. It is the first inshore lifeboat to have radar,
which means it can operate more effectively in reduced visibility.
It is also faster and bigger than its predecessor, with room
for a fourth crew member as well as more space for casualties.
Robert Oliver,
senior helmsman with Cullercoats RNLI, said: ‘Everyone
at Cullercoats lifeboat station is very excited about our
new Atlantic 85. It is the most impressive lifeboat I’ve
handled. Because it is bigger, the ride is very smooth and
you don’t realise how fast it is going. It’s certainly
going to help us get to casualties faster than ever before.’
The Atlantic
85 was developed in close consultation with volunteer crews
and a prototype was trialled at lifeboat stations around the
coast, including Cullercoats, before the final design went
into production.
The Cullercoats
Atlantic 85 was paid for by a legacy from Wallsend man Hylton
Burdon, who died in 2002. It cost around £125,000.
Andrew Ashton,
RNLI Divisional Inspector in the North, said: ‘With
its increased speed and size and technological advancements
like radar, the Atlantic 85 will enable our volunteer lifeboatmen
and women to carry out their life saving work more safely
and effectively than ever before.’
More information available here.
Atlantic
85 facts:
Length overall: 8.3m
Beam overall: 2.8m
Draught (engines raised): 0.5m
Draught (engines down): 0.9m
Outboard engines: 2 x 115hp Yamaha 4-stroke
Speed: 35 knots
Endurance: 2.5 hours
Crew: 4
Fitted with: radar, GPS, chart plotter, VHF/DF
 Posted
by Cullercoats Lifeboat Online
at 15:14
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