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Dawn of a new era for RNLI's Invergordon Lifeboat Station as new Shannon class vessel becomes fully operational


By Philip Murray

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The new lifeboat. Picture: RNLI/Michael MacDonald.
The new lifeboat. Picture: RNLI/Michael MacDonald.

A LONG-awaited new era has dawned for lifeboat crew members in the Cromarty Firth after their brand new state-of-the-art vessel became fully operational.

The RNLI's Invergordon station took delivery of its new Shannon class lifeboat back on November 1, following a delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And, after intensive training to get familiar with the new craft, the new vessel – RNLB Agnes AP Barr – took over from its Trent class predecessor, RNLB Douglas Aikman Smith, at 1.37pm on Friday.

With a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles, the self-righting lifeboat is ideal both for offshore rescues as well as call outs to shallower coastal waters. Her twin Scania 650hp engines provide enough power to tow large vessels – while her waterjet technology means she will be able to manoeuvre more easily than traditional propeller driven vessels in shallow waters.

And while the Douglas Aikman Smith's days at Invergordon are at an end following 25 years of service at the station – it won't be the end of her RNLI service. For she will be placed in the RNLI's relief lifeboat fleet in Scotland, for use when other vessels are being repaired or serviced.

The new Shannon-class vessel, is named Agnes A P Barr in memory of the main donor of the vessel Agnes Arthur Paton Barr, who left in excess of £1m to the RNLI to fund a lifeboat on the east coast of Scotland.

Mrs Barr was an RNLI member with a long family history of support for the RNLI, having funded numerous projects in Scotland during her lifetime, passing away at the age of 97.

The new lifeboat. Picture: RNLI/Michael MacDonald.
The new lifeboat. Picture: RNLI/Michael MacDonald.

And her name will not be the only one to grace the lifeboat, for the new Invergordon vessel is the first in the RNLI to have taken part in the charity's Launch a Memory campaign. Supporters could apply to have their loved one's name printed in the letters and numbers on the decal of the vessel's hull registry number, which will save lives at sea for years to come.

Andrew Murray, RNLI coxswain at Invergordon Lifeboat Station, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have our new Shannon class lifeboat “Agnes AP Barr” officially placed on service today as the operational Lifeboat stationed at Invergordon.

"The covid situation since last March has significantly delayed this day however it is testament to the all the tireless hard work of our volunteer crew and the RNLI training staff that we have finally reached this momentous day in our Stations history.

"Our new Shannon, number 13-37, replaces our previous Trent Class Lifeboat “Douglas Aikman Smith” which has served the station well for the last 25 years and will now join the RNLI’s Relief Lifeboat Fleet.

"We will be sorry to see her finally depart, however our new Shannon “Agnes AP Barr” with her advanced technology will enhance our lifesaving capability in the inner Moray Firth. She also holds a special place in many people’s hearts as the RNLI’s first Launch a Memory Lifeboat and carries the names and memories of many loved ones which we are extremely proud to have with us each time the Lifeboat is launched.”


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