Falmouth RNLI to Receive New Shannon Class Lifeboat on 27th June

Public invited to welcome ‘Decibel Too’ into the harbour

Falmouth RNLI’s brand new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, Decibel Too, will arrive in the harbour this Friday afternoon, 27th June.

Following months of training and emergency call outs using the relief lifeboat George and Frances Phelon, the station’s volunteer crew will officially welcome their new permanent vessel sometime between 4pm and 5pm.

Funded through a legacy gift

Decibel Too has been made possible thanks to a generous gift left in the will of Richard Coleman. The donation was administered by Richard’s friend Tony Vlasto and the RNLI City of London Committee. Richard, a Royal Navy veteran and passionate solo yachtsman, made several notable voyages aboard his 18ft sloop DECIBEL. His lasting support for the RNLI has now helped ensure future rescues around the Cornish coast.

Welcoming flotilla expected

The new lifeboat is currently in Poole, where she was first put in the water during a bell-ringing ceremony at RNLI HQ back in April. After undergoing acceptance trials, a small crew from Falmouth RNLI will bring her home in time for Friday’s welcome.

Recreational water users are invited to join a flotilla to mark the lifeboat’s arrival, weather and sea conditions permitting. Supporters on land will be able to get a good view from Pendennis Head.

“This is the day we have been waiting for”

Falmouth RNLI Coxswain Jonathon Blakeston said:

“This is the day we have been waiting for. It’s always good to welcome a new boat that we can call our own. I’m sure that she will serve the station proud.”

The RNLI’s most advanced lifeboat

The Shannon class lifeboat is the most modern in the RNLI fleet. It was designed in-house and built at the RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. Featuring water jet propulsion, it’s designed to meet the demands of a 21st-century rescue service.

Falmouth’s newest arrival marks a major milestone for the station and a heartfelt tribute to the generosity of Richard Coleman.

📷Decibel Too at the bell ringing ceremony 22 April 2025 - Credit: RNLI/Glen Reed