Whitby RNLI volunteers in final training ahead of new Shannon class lifeboat's arrival

By Duncan Atkins
Published 6th Jun 2023, 16:08 BST
Updated 6th Jun 2023, 16:09 BST
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Volunteers from Whitby RNLI are currently at the RNLI College in Poole taking part in their final training on their new Shannon Class Lifeboat, Lois Ivan.

On Thursday (June 8) they will depart Poole on the lifeboat and bring it up to Whitby, hoping to arrive at 1.49pm (13.49) on Sunday June 11.

13 49 is the number on the side of the lifeboat – the numbers have special significance as the decals are home to names of 10,000 loved ones added by donors as part of the Launch a Memory campaign.

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Coxswain Howard Fields said: 'We can't wait to bring the new lifeboat home to Whitby.

From left: Matt Sharpe, Coxswain Howard Fields, Mechanic Richard Dowson, Keith Attridge and Ally Brisby. picture: Ceri Oakes / RNLIFrom left: Matt Sharpe, Coxswain Howard Fields, Mechanic Richard Dowson, Keith Attridge and Ally Brisby. picture: Ceri Oakes / RNLI
From left: Matt Sharpe, Coxswain Howard Fields, Mechanic Richard Dowson, Keith Attridge and Ally Brisby. picture: Ceri Oakes / RNLI

"Thanks to the generosity of the public we have a lifeboat with the most up-to-date technology available, to help us save lives at sea.”

Mr Fields and RNLI press officer Ceri Oakes had the honour of meeting hundreds of individuals who have put the name of a loved one on the lifeboat at a special event in Poole.

Related topics:RNLI