Understand
Five Devon lifeboat stations to receive new RNLI vessels by 2030
Overview
The RNLI has announced that five lifeboat stations in Devon will receive new vessels by 2030 as part of a 15-year fleet strategy update. Plymouth is set to receive a new Coastal class design in 2030, while Salcombe and Torbay will receive Shannon class all-weather boats. Appledore has already received a Shannon, and Ilfracombe has received an Atlantic 85 Mk3 craft. The charity's decisions are based on data showing that most incidents occur closer to the shore.
Key points
- Five Devon lifeboat stations are scheduled to receive new RNLI vessels by 2030.
- Plymouth will be among the first stations in the UK to receive the new Coastal class design in 2030, replacing its Severn class boat.
- Salcombe and Torbay are set to receive new Shannon class all-weather boats, with Torbay's arrival expected in 2029.
- Appledore has received a Shannon class boat, and Ilfracombe has received an Atlantic 85 Mk3 high-speed rigid inflatable.
- RNLI data from 2017 to 2025 shows that 98% of responses occurred within 10 nautical miles of the shore.