Port St Mary’s all-weather lifeboat will not be replaced when it reaches the end of its operational life, the RNLI has confirmed as part of a major overhaul of its fleet across the UK and Ireland.
The station’s current Trent class lifeboat is among the vessels affected by the RNLI’s plans to gradually retire the Trent class fleet by the end of 2028.
Instead, Port St Mary will continue operating its D-class inshore lifeboat, with support from neighbouring RNLI stations around the island.
Not All Bad
At the same time, Douglas has been confirmed as one of the stations set to receive the RNLI’s new Coastal Lifeboat. The charity says work is continuing to identify suitable shore facilities, with the allocation of the new vessel now finalised.
The RNLI said the changes reflect the changing nature of rescue incidents, with data showing that 98% of lifeboat call-outs between 2017 and 2024 took place within 10 nautical miles of shore. It says most incidents now fall within the operational capabilities of modern inshore lifeboats.
Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said the organisation was adapting to ensure it has “the right lifeboats in the right places” while maintaining a safe and sustainable lifesaving service.
The changes form part of a 15-year plan to modernise the RNLI fleet and respond to growing demand for its rescue services.
