A consultation and data review is being launched ahead of Douglas’ current boat being retired next year.
The current lifeboat station has been used beyond its life expectancy with the crew based in a temporary facility in the harbour.
Due to the ongoing infrastructure challenges and the length of time since a Shannon class lifeboat was initially allocated to Douglas in 2016, the RNLI is assessing what the best solution for the station is.
The RNLI said it “will now begin a comprehensive consultation alongside a detailed data review to determine the best lifesaving asset for the station. The RNLI will consider all submissions during the process and review all feedback”.
Recommendation
It added: “A recommendation will then be put forward to a dedicated asset review committee before being approved by the RNLI’s Executive Team who will ensure that all factors have been thoroughly considered. The final recommendation will then be ratified by the RNLI’s Board of Trustees.
“The station’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat is currently based on a liner berth on a temporary basis, due to a safety issue with the winch in the boathouse.
“Douglas’ lifeboat is one of only two remaining Merseys in the RNLI’s fleet, which will be retired in 2025. A decision is now required to ensure the RNLI can provide an optimised lifesaving service at Douglas into the future.”
It has committed to working with the government to find a solution for the harbour, which is the RNLI’s spiritual home given it was where Sir William Hillary looked out at from his home at Fort Anne.
Peter Washington, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Douglas RNLI said: “I would like to thank the whole team at Douglas for their unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea despite the challenges we have faced from an infrastructure perspective over many years.
“Whilst this was not the news we were hoping for, we understand our Mersey will be coming out of service next year and it is essential we find a way forward to ensure the crew can continue to operate.
“We are heartened to hear of the RNLI’s commitment to Douglas RNLI and are confident this review will now shape a way forward and help us to find a permanent home for the most appropriate asset for our station.’
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