The Shannon will provide lifesaving cover around the coast of the UK and Ireland for decades to come.Īlthough each Shannon class lifeboat is expected to have an operational lifetime of 25 years, the life expectancy of the Shannon's hull and wheelhouse is 50 years. The basket stretcher can be securely mounted on the wheelhouse floor. The Shannon lifeboat carries comprehensive medical equipment including oxygen and full resuscitation kit, Entonox for pain relief, large responder bag and three different stretchers. And shock-absorbing seats further protect the crew from impact when powering through the waves.Īn improved Systems and Information Management System (SIMS) allows the crew to operate and monitor many of the lifeboat's functions from the safety of their seats.Īnd as with all of our all-weather lifeboats, the Shannon class is designed to be inherently self-righting, returning to an upright position in the event of capsize. Her unique hull is designed to minimise slamming of the boat in heavy seas. The safety and welfare of our volunteer crews was a key priority in the development of the Shannon class lifeboat. Meaning casualties can be reached sooner and our volunteer launching crews are better protected. It operates as a mobile slipway, which solves the unique challenge of transporting, launching and recovering the Shannon lifeboat over some of the most demanding beaches.Īfter being recovered from the beach bow first, a turntable in the carriage rotates the Shannon 180º ready for her next launch. Measuring just over 13m in length and weighing in at 18 tonnes, the Shannon is the smallest and lightest of our 25-knot lifeboats, meaning she can be launched straight off the beach via a new and improved launch and recovery system.ĭesigned in conjunction with Supacat Ltd, the new tractor-borne carriage allows a faster and safer launch and recovery time than the present Mersey system. And when precision really matters, such as operating alongside a stricken vessel or navigating around hazards, they come into their own.Īt maximum power, the Shannon lifeboat pumps 1.5 tonnes of water each second from her waterjets. Waterjets allow the Shannon to operate in shallow waters and be intentionally beached. The Shannon is the first modern all-weather lifeboat propelled by waterjets instead of propellers, making her the most agile and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. In fact, she only needs 80% of her power to do so, meaning the engines don’t have to work so hard and should last longer.Įach engine has its own 1,370-litre fuel tank which can be refuelled at a rate of 200 litres a minute, meaning the lifeboat will never be out of action for long. Two 650hp Scania engines help the Shannon to achieve this speed. News and Features Expand menu - News and Featuresĭesigned to revolutionise the way we save lives at sea, the Shannon class lifeboat is almost 50% faster than the Mersey with a top speed of 25 knots – a crucial factor when lives are at risk.Find my nearest Expand menu - Find my nearest.Give feedback on our education resources.Plan and register your fundraising event.
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