Hornsea Inshore Rescue has welcomed the arrival of a new lifeboat.
The vessel has been bought from the RNLI and is the first of its Atlantic 85 crafts to be sold out of its fleet to an independent lifeboat organisation.
The lifeboat has spent the past few months at specialist EP Barrus of Bicester, having two new 115hp four-stroke engines fitted and modified to cope with a possible capsize and remain functional.
It was transported to Hornsea free of charge by Hull logistics company Neill and Brown. This was the second time that the firm had supported the charity in this way as it had delivered the large launching trolley for the outgoing Atlantic 75 in 2013. This had to come all the way from Knighton in Wales.
Stuart Dean, operations director for Neill and Brown, said: “It was so worthwhile seeing everybody so happy and excited to see the lifeboat arrive.
“We regularly move mobile homes and mobile units but this was something different, and our driver and assistant, Ben Marshall and Carl Hopcroft, said it was no problem. In fact it was easier than dealing with their usual loads of mobile homes.”
The new boat will now spend a few weeks being commissioned before starting its new life as Hornsea’s lifeboat.
Sue Hickson-Marsay MBE, CEO and station manager of Hornsea Inshore Rescue, said: “We are all so thrilled to have this thoroughly up-to-date lifeboat and equipment and thank Neill and Brown for all their help.
“The new boat, like its predecessor, will be called Spirit of Hornsea, because we think the name sums up Hornsea and its people. They are spirited, get things done and put Hornsea on the map.
“We would also like to thank Puffins Galore, Hornsea Inshore Lifeboat Supporters and all those who contribute to our charity, for without them we could not exist and many lives would have been lost. We are now able to continue our lifesaving work with the very best of facilities.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is not part of the RNLI – it is a totally independent local rescue organisation supported solely by donations and grants.
It raises additional funds by running courses on water safety, offshore powerboating, VHF radio and first aid. All are led by fully qualified instructors and take place in the organisation’s specialist premises, practical aspects taking place either at sea or on a local lake, dependent on conditions. The charity also offers corporate 999 days and school visits.
Visitors to Hornsea Inshore Rescue and volunteers are always welcome whether they would like to serve as crew (comprehensive training is given), fundraisers or general helpers. Anyone interested is welcome to phone Sue on 07796 257989 or Ian on 01964 534302.
