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The crew have spent the last 18 months trying to raise the money required to purchase the Lifeboat that is built by VT Halmatic in Portsmouth and following a series fund raising events including a pub crawl, collecting at Tesco and successful street collection at Christmas, the funds needed to pay for the boat were raised.
As many people know, the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust is the charity that operates Southport Lifeboat, which is completely independent from the R.N.L.I and has to raise all of its funds itself. The crew are all unpaid volunteers who often give up their free time to help with collecting, maintaining and fixing all the equipment used and helping others in need.
The new lifeboat appeal has been a big challenge to all involved but the hard work will pay off when the boat arrives in Southport at the end of March. The lifeboat will be put on station in place of the 12 year old lifeboat that is currently being used.
The new boat is a 24ft rigid inflatable boat powered by two 135hp mariner engines giving it a top speed of 38 knots. It will carry 4 crew members as opposed to the 3 that the current boat holds and will be fitted with a host of electronics including a better VHF radio, GPS and Radar which is a new feature to Southport Lifeboat. A crew intercom is also being fitted so that crew can communicate more easily whilst at full speed.
Besides all the new gadgetry, the lifeboat will be able to go out in stronger winds due to its hull shape and the addition of a ballast tank to weigh the front of the boat down during launch. The range that the boat can operate in will be increased as it now has the fuel capacity to run for about 4 hours at full speed.
The eagerly waited return of the Lifeboat's launch vehicle is nearly over with its return to station after 3 years of refurbishment is expected in the next couple of weeks. The vehicle was originally a 5 ton Benford dumper truck that members of the crew converted into a purpose built lifeboat rescue vehicle. However after several years of service, the salt water had began to get the better of the vehicle. Darren Tucker of L.T.C. Leyland kindly offered to refurbish the dumper on his own during his spare time. In the 3 years almost every part of the original structure has been replaced, the addition of features such as a reversing camera with night vision capability will aid the driver's vision during a launch. Also included is a P.A system has also been fitted as has a new GPS and radio.
Although the hardest part of the work has been completed, the crew still has the task of raising the funds to build a new launch carriage for the boat to sit on when on land and also keeping enough funds in reserve to keep the boat on station through the year.
Some of the crew commented their thoughts on the new lifeboat being ordered.
Keith Porter is the Senior Coxswain of the Lifeboat and has been involved since the organisation began in 1989. He said "We have had the current boat for 12 years, providing excellent service throughout. However the harsh environment in which it operates has taken its toll and it has now showing its age and ready to be replaced. Recently we have experienced a welcome surge in crew numbers with an influx of members providing fresh enthusiasm in their interest to learn about the different aspects becoming a lifeboat man. The arrival of the new boat in early April will reward all the hard work and effort that they and other established crewmembers have put in to raise the £132,000 needed to purchase it. The increase in size of 1 meter and the quality of the new vessel I am sure will prove to be a great asset in coping with the varying situations and extremes of weather that the lifeboat has to face"
Matthew Hesketh is a new Crew member but has shown great commitment in both training and fundraising. This is his opinion on the efforts. "I think that the new boat will be a great improvement on the current boat. There is space for an extra crewmember which will provide an extra pair of eyes and also allow greater casualty care. The improved navigation suite will allow safe and efficient navigation to the casualty, even in dense fog."
Nick Porter, who is not only a crew member but Publicity Officer siad "It is fantastic how all of the crew's efforts have come together to make the £132,000 target achievable with the kind donations from the people of Southport. Although the hard work is over, we do still have to keep raising the money to keep the boat on station and so that our crew can be properly trained."
John Shawcroft, Chairman of the Lifeboat said "All members of Southport Lifeboat send their sincere thanks to those who have helped and donated to raising the money required for the new lifeboat. Although being very expensive at £132,000, you get what you pay for - we soon will have the best boat available for effecting rescues from our beach that has clamed so many lives in the past. Don't forget to grab yourself a bargain from our charity shop at the corner of Claremont rd and Everton rd which provides a good steady form of income to help fund our boat throughout the year."
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