New class of lifeboat to be introduced to islands

The RNLI said the Shannon was manoeuvrable and agile as it did not have traditional propellers

Lifeboats in the Channel Islands are to be updated over the next few years, the RNLI has said.

Jersey's current Tamar class lifeboat, Guernsey's Severn and Alderney's Trent class lifeboat will all be replaced by Shannon class all-weather vessels.

The RNLI said the latest class of lifeboat was manoeuvrable and agile due to it using water jets rather than traditional propellers.

The charity said the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats at St Peter Port, St Helier and St Catherine would be upgraded with vibration reduction technology and wireless communication.

The RNLI said the Shannon had the latest in lifesaving technology, including tools which allowed each crew member access to navigational and systems information from any position within the wheelhouse.

RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes said having the same class of lifeboat across the islands meant parts and spares could be stored which would reduce the reliance on delivery from the UK.

"Our volunteer lifeboat crew can also travel between the islands to take advantage of training opportunities, which cuts down on the travel time and time away from their families and day jobs," he added.

The George Sullivan at St Helier will be exchanged with a Shannon in 2028, The Spirit of Guernsey at St Peter Port towards the end of 2027 and Inner Wheel II in Alderney in 2027, the charity said.