New Cutting-Edge Shannon Class Lifeboat to Join Falmouth RNLI Fleet Next Year

Falmouth RNLI is set to receive the RNLI’s newest state-of-the-art lifeboat, marking a significant upgrade in its rescue capabilities.

New Lifeboat For Falmouth RNLI in 2025

In an exciting development for the Cornish coastal town, Falmouth RNLI will welcome the Shannon class lifeboat in 2025. This new vessel will replace the current Severn class lifeboat, Richard Cox Scott, which has been serving the station for 23 years. The Richard Cox Scott is reaching the end of its operational life, and while a refit was considered, the decision to bring in a Shannon class lifeboat was made to meet modern rescue demands.

Nick Lewis, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Falmouth, commented, “This is really exciting news for the station and the crew are looking forward to welcoming the new Shannon class lifeboat into Falmouth.”

The Shannon class lifeboat is designed to handle 21st-century rescue operations, incorporating cutting-edge technology developed by RNLI engineers. Built at the RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset, the Shannon is set to revolutionise lifeboat services along the Cornish coast and beyond.

Photo: An image of St Ives RNLI Shannon Class lifeboat Niva Stachura –  Credit: RNLI/Steve Lowe

Superior Technology for Lifesaving

What sets the Shannon apart from previous lifeboats is its water jet propulsion system, making it extremely agile and manoeuvrable—an essential feature when navigating Falmouth’s tricky waters. Unlike traditional propellers, the water jets allow for greater control, which will be particularly useful when dealing with the varied and challenging rescue situations Falmouth RNLI faces.

“The Shannon is the right vessel to take them into the RNLI’s next century of lifesaving,” said Dickon Berriman, RNLI Area Operations Manager.

The lifeboat’s innovative design ensures each crew member can access navigational and system information from any position within the wheelhouse. This versatility reduces the need for the crew to move around in rough weather, cutting down the risk of injury. The Shannon’s ability to operate effectively in both deep and shallow waters makes it an ideal fit for Falmouth’s diverse coastal environment, which includes the River Fal, Percuil River, and Helford River.

Preparing for the Future

As the Richard Cox Scott prepares for retirement, Falmouth’s crew will begin an intensive period of training with the new Shannon class lifeboat to ensure they are fully equipped to handle its advanced features. During this time, both lifeboats will be stationed in Falmouth to allow for a seamless transition.

Nick added, “We’re looking forward to a new chapter in lifesaving at Falmouth RNLI.”

The Shannon class lifeboat will work alongside the station’s current Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, ensuring 24/7 all-weather coverage for the port of Falmouth and surrounding areas.

Falmouth RNLI is one of the busiest stations in Cornwall, with its volunteer crew regularly responding to a wide variety of incidents, from assisting paddleboarders to aiding yachts and commercial fishing boats. The introduction of the Shannon will enhance their ability to provide effective and efficient rescue services for many years to come.

The arrival of this new lifeboat signifies the RNLI’s commitment to evolving its fleet to meet the changing demands of modern rescue operations while ensuring the safety of both its crew and those in need.

For more information about Falmouth RNLI’s lifesaving efforts, visit the RNLI website.

Photo: A stock image of Falmouth’s current lifeboats, the all weather Severn class lifeboat and the inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat Credit: RNLI/Simon Culliford