A new state-of-the-art lifeboat is to be stationed at Red Bay on the Co Antrim coast, the RNLI announced today.
Work is about to start on the lifeboat station at Cushendall to enable it to house the larger and faster craft.
The station currently operates a B Class Atlantic 75, but is being upgraded to the Atlantic 85 which can carry a fourth crew member.
The new boat will have a radar capability, a faster response time thanks to its top speed of 35 knots, and more room for casualties.
The RNLI said the new boat will bring continuous coverage along the Antrim coast, with stations also at both Portrush and Larne.
RNLI deputy divisional inspector, Gareth Morrison, said: “The provision of the new class of inshore lifeboat is an important part of our upgrade of RNLI lifeboat coverage in Northern Ireland.”
A new lifeboat station is also being built to take an Atlantic 85 at Portaferry, and there have been upgrades of service at Bangor and Kilkeel, he said.
“The bigger and faster lifeboat for Red Bay RNLI ensures that lifeboat coverage remains unbroken and that the people of North Antrim and surrounding areas are never far from a lifeboat,” said Mr Morrison.
There has been a lifeboat at Red Bay since 1972, with the current boat on station for the past 12 years.
Red Bay volunteer lifeboat Helm, Paddy McLaughlin, said: “We are delighted to be receiving this new class of lifeboat at Red Bay.
“The inshore lifeboat fleet carry out most of the rescues in the RNLI as their size and speed means they can go into areas that many other vessels can’t reach.”
PA