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RNLI Delivery Marks Souter Return

01 May 2004

Isle of Wight UK based Souter Marine has emerged from a recent change of ownership to deliver the 43rd Severn Class Lifeboat to the RNLI last month. Following the completion of crew training, the Donald and Barbara Broadhead, ON 1276 , will be stationed at Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford in Ireland and will serve the surrounding area, including the busy local ferry routes and commercial shipping lanes.
RNLI Director Michael Vlasto accepts ON 1276 into the fleet, presented on behalf of Souter Marine by Assistant Director Terry Lowe.
RNLI Director Michael Vlasto accepts ON 1276 into the fleet, presented on behalf of Souter Marine by Assistant Director Terry Lowe.

ON 1276 is the first of two Severn Class Lifeboats moving through Souter Marine at this time and continues a long line of more than 140 lifeboats built by the yard since 1986.

The Severn Class was itself introduced in 1996 and is the largest of the RNLI fleet designed to lie afloat. The design carries a waterline length of 17m and a beam of 5.9m with capacity for six crew. Manufactured from fibreglass reinforced composite, the Severn Class displaces 41 tonnes and carries a 'Y' Class inflatable boat which is launched by a hydraulic crane.

The vessel is powered by twin Caterpillar turbocharged diesels, each developing 1,250bhp at 2,300rpm for a top speed of 25 knots. Two internal fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 2,800 litres, give the craft a range of 250 nautical miles.

MJ Information No: 19403

Images for this article - click to enlarge

RNLI Director Michael Vlasto accepts ON 1276 into the fleet, presented on behalf of Souter Marine by Assistant Director Terry Lowe.

All images copyright © Mercator Media 2008

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