March 13th, 2023.



Newhaven RNLI has temporarily exchanged its resident Severn class 17-21 for one of the charity's newest class of lifeboats, the Shannon class 13-40 ‘Eric’s Legend’. The Shannon will be on service from Newhaven while the ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ receives some scheduled TLC in Poole.

The Shannon class is packed with technology. Shannon lifeboats are propelled by water jets, rather than propellers. This allows the Shannon to operate in shallow waters and to be intentionally beached.

Lewis Arnold, Coxswain, explained: "The water jets allow the Shannon to be extremely manoeuvrable, which is pronounced when operating alongside a casualty vessel or navigating around hazards."

Crew comfort scores highly on this boat. Shannons have shock absorbing seats, which protect the crew from impact when powering through the waves.

Newhaven RNLI’s crew has been training on the Shannon, refreshing skills and getting to know the new class of boat.

Newhaven RNLI need new volunteers for 2023. Could you join the lifesaving crew?

Visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities


Pictured:  The Shannon class 13-40 ‘Eric’s Legend’. Credit: RNLI/Sam Carragher