Severn-class lifeboat

RNLB 17-03 Albert Brown (ON 1202) at Harwich
Class overview
NameSevern class
Builders
Operators Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Preceded byArun-class
Cost£1.5 – £1.9 million
Built1991–2004
In service1996–present
Completed46
Active
  • On Station 33
  • Relief fleet 10
Lost1
Retired2
General characteristics
Displacement40 t (39 long tons)
Length17.3m (56ft 9in)
Beam5.9m (19ft 4in)
Draught1.78m (5ft 10in)
Propulsion
  • 2 × Caterpillar 3412 TA diesel engines, 1,250 hp (932 kW) each or
  • 2 x MTU 10V2000 M94 engines; 1,600 hp (1,193 kW) (after re-engining)
  • UBW 195 V reverse-reduction gearbox 2.03:1 ratio
  • 5,500 litre (1,200 imperial gallons) fuel capacity
Speed25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h)
Range250 nmi (460 km)
Capacity
  • Self-righting 47
  • Non-self-righting 185
Complement6

The Severn class is the largest lifeboat operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The class, which is 17.3 metres (56 ft 9 in) long, was introduced in to service in 1996. It is named after the River Severn, the longest river in Great Britain. The lifeboats are stationed at 33 locations around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland and can provide coverage up to 125 nmi (232 km) out to sea.

All of the following fleet details are referenced to the 2026 Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society Handbook, with information retrieved directly from RNLI records.[1]

History

In the 1980s the RNLI's fast Arun and Waveney all-weather lifeboats provided coverage 30 miles (48 km) out to sea, operating at up to 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) to cover the distance in two hours in good weather. However, the RNLI felt that they needed the capability to extend their coverage to 50 miles (80 km) radius, which would require lifeboats with a top speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph). This resulted in the 17-metre (56 ft) Severn and 14-metre (46 ft) Trent lifeboats.[2]

The prototype Severn was launched in 1991 (ON1179) and was named Maurice and Joyce Hardy. Trials started the following year and lasted until 1998.[1] In 1995, the boat was de-named. Problems were encountered during the trials with the "skegs" that protected the propellers, but were designed to protect the hull by breaking off if the boat hit rocks, as the first ones were too easily broken. Crashing through heavy seas at full speed caused damage to the hull, too.[3] It was transferred to training work when it carried operational number TL-02 and was named Peter and Marion Fulton, but was withdrawn in 2004. It was sold in 2005; in 2008 it was in use as a dive boat at Buckie, carrying the name Gemini Storm. Sold to Montrose Marine Services ltd in 2011 and renamed Eileen May. Sold 2019 into private ownership, based North Wales coast.[1][4]

The first production Severn was The Will. It had been built in 1995 by Berthon Boat Co (Builders of 21 of the 46 Severn-class lifeboats) for Stornoway but had to undergo several modifications before it was fit for service. It was eventually placed in the relief fleet in 1996 and shown to many lifeboat stations where the class was expected to be deployed. It so impressed the crew at Falmouth that they pressed the RNLI to station it there until their own boat was built, and so it was stationed there from January 1997 until December 2001 when it was replaced by Richard Scott Cox.[5] In the meantime, Tom Sanderson had been deployed at Stornoway in 1999. The Will returned to the relief fleet after its time at Falmouth until 2019, when it was the first Severn Class to undergo the Severn Life Extension Programme. Construction of its sister boats continued until 2005.[1]

In 2015, the Canadian Coast Guard commissioned a version of the Severn class modified for extreme conditions found off the coast of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.[6]

Description

Severns are constructed of fibre reinforced composite material, and their hard chine semi-displacement hull is built so that it will stay afloat with two of its five compartments flooded. For added manoeuvrability, in addition to twin engines, the Severn also has a bow thruster fitted.[7] The propellers are enclosed so that the Severn can take ground without damaging them. A Y-class inflatable boat can be deployed by an on-board crane for use in shallow water or confined spaces.[8]

Severns have comprehensive electronics systems that include full MF and VHF DSC radio equipment, differential GPS navigator, an electronic chart system, VHF radio direction finder, radar and weather sensors. Provision for survivors includes comprehensive first aid equipment including stretchers, oxygen and Entonox. They carry a portable salvage pump in a water-tight container, and can also carry out pumping and fire-fighting tasks using the engine-driven general service pump.

Severn Life Extension Programme

In 2020 the RNLI started to design a Severn Life Extension Programme (SLEP) with the intention of extending the fleet's lifespan by 25 years. It involves taking an existing boat and fully refitting it from the hull up. The addition of modern electronic systems and shock mitigating seats similar to those found on the Shannon class lifeboats, are among many upgrades. In July 2022 it was announced that the prototype was almost complete and would soon be ready for sea trials.[9]

In early 2025 the RNLI announced that, following a fleet review, the Severn Life Extension Programme would not be continued beyond the two boats already in the programme. Instead, Severn-class boats would be progressively withdrawn over the next fifteen years.[10]

  • Hull with bow thruster
  • Inside helm and controls
  • Engine room with Caterpillar 3412 TA marine diesel engines
  • Launching inflatable boat with on-board crane
  • Stern quarter showing crane and inflatable boat stowed

Severn-class lifeboat fleet

RNLI active fleet

ON[a] Op. No.[b] Name Built In service[1] Station MMSI[11] Comments[1][12]
1202 17-03 Albert Brown 1994 1996– Harwich 232001910 [Note 1]
1203 17-04 Spirit of Guernsey 1995 1997– St Peter Port 232001940 [Note 2]
1216 17-05 Pride of the Humber 1996 1997– Humber 232002440 [Note 3]
1217 17-06 David Kirkaldy 1996 1997– Aran Islands 232002450 [Note 4]
1218 17-07 John and Margaret Doig 1996 1996– Valentia 232002460 [Note 5]
1219 17-08 Helmut Schroder of Dunlossit II 1996 1997– Islay 232002470 [Note 6]
1220 17-09 City of London II 1996 1997– Dover 232002480 [Note 7]
1221 17-10 Michael and Jane Vernon 1996 1997– Lerwick 232002490 [Note 8]
1229 17-11 The Whiteheads 1997 1997– St Mary's 232003049 [Note 9]
1230 17-12 Edna Windsor 1997 1998– Barra Island 232003050 [Note 10]
1231 17-13 Margaret Foster 1997 1998– Kirkwall 232003051 [Note 11]
1232 17-14 Charles Lidbury 1997 1998– Aith 232003052 [Note 12]
1235 17-15 Bryan and Gordon 1997 1998– Ballyglass 232003133 [Note 13]
1236 17-16 Violet Dorothy and Kathleen 1998 1998– Stromness 232003134 [Note 14]
1238 17-18 Tom Sanderson 1998 1999– Stornoway 232003136 [Note 15]
No crane.
1241 17-19 Ernest and Mary Shaw 1998 1999– Campbeltown 232003139 [Note 16]
1243 17-21 David and Elizabeth Acland 1999 1999– Newhaven 232003141 [Note 17]
1244 17-22 Myrtle Maud 1999 2000– Arranmore 232003142 [Note 18]
1248 17-24 Bon Accord 2000 2000– Aberdeen 232004399 [Note 19]
1249 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 2000 2001– Yarmouth 232004401 [Note 20]
1250 17-26 Henry Alston Hewat 2000 2001– Mallaig 232004402 [Note 21]
1255 17-28 Alec and Christina Dykes 2001 2001– Torbay 232004407 [Note 22]
1257 17-30 William Gordon Burr 2001 2002–2008 Relief fleet 232004409 [Note 23]
2008– Portrush
1261 17-32 Ernest and Mabel 2002 2002– Weymouth 235005118 [Note 24]
1263 17-34 Osier 2002 2002–2021 Relief fleet 235005119 [Note 25]
2021– Tynemouth
1264 17-35 Sybil Mullen Glover 2002 2003– Plymouth 235005121 [Note 26]
1265 17-36 Ivan Ellen 2002 2003– Penlee 235005122 [Note 27]
1268 17-37 William Blannin 2002 2003– Buckie 235007809 [Note 28]
1270 17-39 Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey 2003 2003– Tobermory 235007798 [Note 29]
1271 17-40 Julian and Margaret Leonard 2003 2003– Lochinver 235007797 [Note 30]
1273 17-42 The Taylors 2003 2004– Thurso 235007795 [Note 31]
1276 17-43 Donald and Barbara Broadhead 2004 2004– Rosslare Harbour 235010875 [Note 32]
1277 17-44 Annette Hutton 2004 2004– Castletownbere 235010876 [Note 33]

RNLI relief fleet

ON[a] Op. No.[b] Name Built In service[1] Station MMSI[11] Comments[1][12]
1237 17-17 Fraser Flyer
(Civil Service No.43) 		1998 1999– Relief fleet 232003135 [Note 34]
1254 17-27 Volunteer Spirit 2000 2001– Relief fleet 232004406 [Note 35]
1260 17-31 Roger and Joy Freeman 2002 2002– Relief fleet 235005115 [Note 36]
1262 17-33 Beth Sell 2002 2002– Relief fleet 235005116 [Note 37]
1269 17-38 Daniel L. Gibson 2002 2003– Relief fleet 235007799 [Note 38]
1272 17-41 Christopher Pearce 2003 2003–2024 Holyhead 235007796 [Note 39]
2025– Relief fleet
1278 17-45 The Duke of Kent 2004 2005– Relief fleet 235013842 [Note 40]
1279 17-46 Margaret Joan and Fred Nye 2004 2004–2008 Relief fleet 235010878 [Note 41]
2008 Portrush
2008– Relief fleet
1201 17-51 "Ettrick Shepherd" Hogg Hardie 1994 tbc Relief fleet 232001890 SLEP upgrade
1242 17-52 Unnamed 1999 tbc Relief fleet 232003140 SLEP upgrade

RNLI retired fleet

ON[a] Op. No.[b] Name Built In service[1] Station Comments[1][12]
1179 17-01 Maurice and Joyce Hardy 1991 1992–1995 Trials [Note 42]
Name removed in 1995.
1179 17-01 Unnamed 1991 1995–1998 Trials Renamed Peter and Marion Fulton in 1998
1179 TL-02 Peter and Marion Fulton 1991 1998–2004 Training fleet Sold in 2005. Was named Gemini Storm but now known as Eileen May.[4]
MMSI 232034092
1201 17-02 The Will 1994 1996–1997 Relief fleet [Note 43]
Identity retired, SLEP Programme, 17-02 becomes 17-51
MMSI 232001890
1997–2001 Falmouth
2001–2019 Relief fleet
1242 17-20 Spirit of Northumberland 1999 1999–2021 Tynemouth [Note 44]
Identity retired, SLEP Programme, 17-20 becomes 17-52.
MMSI 232003140
1247 17-23 Katie Hannan 2000 2000–2008 Portrush [Note 45]
Damaged beyond economic repair after grounding on Rathlin Island.[13]
1256 17-29 Richard Cox Scott 2001 2001–2025 Falmouth [Note 46][14]
MMSI 232004408
  1. ^ a b c ON is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat.
  2. ^ a b c Op. No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat carried on the hull.

Notes

  1. ^ Legacy of Mrs V. M. Brown, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,580,000.
  2. ^ Gift of the Guernsey LB appeal, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Halmatic, costing £1,500,000.
  3. ^ Gift of the Humber LB appeal, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Halmatic, costing £1,500,000.
  4. ^ Gift of Mr D. Kirkaldy, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,580,000.
  5. ^ Legacy of Miss M. Doig, plus other legacies, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,580,000.
  6. ^ Gift of Mr B. Schroder and Mrs G. Mallinckrodt, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,580,000.
  7. ^ Gift of the City of London Centenary Appeal, plus gifts and other legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,580,000.
  8. ^ Gift of Lerwick LB Appeal, plus gifts and other legacies, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,580,000.
  9. ^ Legacy of Olive Elsie Whitehead, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  10. ^ Legacy of Mrs E. Windsor, plus other legacies, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  11. ^ Legacy of Mrs M. E. Foster, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  12. ^ Legacy of Miss M. Lidbury, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  13. ^ Legacies of Mr B. C. Griffiths and Mrs G. W. Griffiths, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  14. ^ Legacy of Miss V. J. Matton, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  15. ^ Legacy of Mr T. Sanderson, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  16. ^ Gift from the estate of the late Ernest Shaw and hs widow Mary, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  17. ^ Legacies of Mrs D. Woods, Miss M. Lamb, Mr N. Sutton, Mrs T. Young and Mr W. Holman, plus other gifts, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  18. ^ Legacy of Mrs M. M. Campbell-Orde, plus other legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  19. ^ Gift of the Aberdeen LB appeal, legacy of Miss Janette Reid, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,725,000.
  20. ^ Legacy of Mrs S. Hiscock, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,800,000.
  21. ^ Legacy of Miss Catherine Hewat, plus local appeal and other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,800,000.
  22. ^ Legacies of Mrs C. Dykes and Mr Robert Buchanen, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,800,000.
  23. ^ Legacies of Mrs N. Burr, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,800,000.
  24. ^ Gift of Miss Beryl Taylor, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,800,000.
  25. ^ Gift of Mr P. A. G. Acke, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,900,000.
  26. ^ Legacy of Mrs D. S. Glover, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,900,000.
  27. ^ Legacies of Mr H. I. Leech, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  28. ^ Legacy of Mr K. M. Williams, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,900,000.
  29. ^ Legacies of Mrs E. M. Ramsey, Miss J. Towers and Mrs I. P. Soular, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,900,000.
  30. ^ Legacies of Mr J. M. Leonard and Mrs M. Leonard, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,900,000.
  31. ^ Legacies of Mrs V. R. E. Taylor and Miss A. A. Cluness, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,900,000.
  32. ^ Legacy of Mrs B. Broadhead, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,900,000.
  33. ^ Legacies of A. Hutton, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  34. ^ Gift of the CISPOTEL fund, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,725,000.
  35. ^ Funded by RNLI branches and guilds, to mark the RNLI 150th Anniversary, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,800,000.
  36. ^ Legacies of Hilda Freeman, plus other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / DML, costing £1,800,000.
  37. ^ Legacies of Mrs M. E. Sell and Mrs H. C. Wells, plus other legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  38. ^ Legacies of Mr J. Gibson, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  39. ^ Legacies of Mr C. M. Pearce, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  40. ^ Combination of six legacies, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,900,000.
  41. ^ Legacies of Miss J. Nye, Miss C. Willis, Mrs M. Howarth, and other gifts and legacies, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,900,000.
  42. ^ Funded by the RNLI, built by Halmatic / Osborne, costing £1,350,000.
  43. ^ Gift of 'The Will' Charitable Trust, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,580,000.
  44. ^ Funded by Regional Appeal, built by Green Marine / Berthon Boat Co., costing £1,750,000.
  45. ^ Legacy of Mrs K. Hannan and the Portrush LB Appeal, built by Green Marine / FBM Ltd, costing £1,750,000.
  46. ^ Legacy of Mrs R. M. Scott, built by Green Marine / Souters, costing £1,800,000.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2026). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2026. Lifeboats Enthusiasts' Society. pp. 50–54.
  2. ^ Wake-Walker, Edward (2008). The Lifeboats Story. Stroud: Sutton Publishing. pp. 59–72. ISBN 9780750948586.
  3. ^ Kipling, Ray; Kipling, Susannah (2006). Never Turn Back. Stroud: Sutton Publishing. pp. 92–93. ISBN 9780752495965.
  4. ^ a b "Eileen May Facebook Page". Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  5. ^ Morris, Jeff (2002). The History of the Falmouth Lifeboats (2nd ed.). Coventry: Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society. pp. 30–40.
  6. ^ "New Robert Allan lifeboats". Maritime Journal. 15 July 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Severn Class Lifeboat Information". RNLI. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  8. ^ Wake-Walker 2008, pp. 110–111.
  9. ^ RNLI (July 2022). "Severn Life Extension Programme RNLI update". RNLI. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Launching into the Third Century". The Lifeboat (651): 29. Spring 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Marine Traffic".
  12. ^ a b c Morris, Jeff (2008). List of British Life-boats Part 3 (Third ed.). Lifeboat Enthusiasts' Society. pp. 76–80.
  13. ^ "Portrush's station history". Portrush Lifeboat Station. RNLI. Year 2008. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Falmouth's bid farewell to the town's Severn class lifeboat, Richard Cox Scott". RNLI. 24 January 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Severn class lifeboats.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.