Severn Class Lifeboats
Developed in the early 1990s, the Severn class was introduced into the fleet in 1995 and is designed to lie afloat, either at deep-water moorings or at a berth. The severn class is currently the largest in the RNLI fleet.
The Severn has a sheerline that sweeps down for ease of survivor recovery. She is inherently self-righting and should it be knocked over in extreme weather, it will automatically right itself within a few seconds.
Her propellers and rudders lie in partial tunnels set into the hull that, along with the two bilge keels, provide excellent protection from damage in shallow water.
In addition to her twin engines, the Severn is fitted with a hydraulic-powered bow thruster for improved manoeuvrability.
The Severn carries a small Y boat, which is an inflatable daughter boat complete with a 15hp outboard engine. This small craft can be launched with a crane and is used in moderate conditions to access areas where the lifeboat cannot reach.
The Severn Class are currently in the process of being re-engined with MTU diesel engines which is part of a refurbishment programme to extend the operational life of the class to fifty years.
Severn Class Facts
Introduced: 1995 (Last built 2004)
Length: 17.3m
Width: 5.9m
Load: 42 tonnes
Launch Type: Afloat
Fuel Capacity: 5,600 litres
Crew: 7
Range: 250 nautical miles
Max Speed: 25 Knots
Engines: 2 x Caterpillar 3412 TA marine diesel; 1,250hp each at 2,300hp or 2 x MTU M94 Diesel Engine 1,600hp each at 2450rpm
| O.N. | Op. No. | Name | Year Built | Station |
|
1217
|
17-06
|
David Kirkaldy
|
1996
|
Aran Islands 06/06/97 to date
|
|
1218
|
17-07
|
John and Margaret Doig
|
1996
|
Valentia 29/11/96 to date
|
|
1235
|
17-15
|
Bryan and Gordon
|
1998
|
Ballyglass 14/08/98 to date
|
|
1244
|
17-22
|
Myrte Maud
|
1999
|
Arranmore 22/01/00 to date
|
|
1257
|
17-30
|
William Gordon Burr
|
2001
|
Portrush 04/04/08 to date
|
|
1276
|
17-43
|
Donald & Barbara Broadhead
|
2004
|
Rosslare Harbour 09/07/04 to date
|
|
1277
|
17-44
|
Annette Hutton
|
2004
|
Castletownbere 12/08/04 to date
|