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Concerns Rise Over Isle of Man's Rescue Boat Retirement
1 Nov
Summary
- Isle of Man Yacht Club voices safety concerns over RNLI vessel retirement.
- RNLI confirms a rescue boat will retire in 2028, not be replaced.
- IOMYC questions capability to maintain response speed in southern waters.
The Isle of Man Yacht Club (IOMYC) has expressed significant concerns regarding the planned retirement of the Port St Mary rescue boat in 2028, a decision by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) not to replace the vessel. Directors at IOMYC emphasized that any decision impacting maritime safety warrants public discussion and scrutiny. They are questioning the RNLI's assurance that neighboring stations can provide adequate overlapping cover.
The IOMYC's primary concern is whether the reduced fleet will maintain the same level of response capability, resilience, and speed for incidents occurring in the island's southern waters. While the station will retain its inshore lifeboat, the club points out that an all-weather lifeboat is essential for specific rescue scenarios. The waters around Langness, the Calf of Man, and Chicken Rock are identified as particularly challenging due to strong tidal streams and exposed sea conditions.
The organization is calling for greater transparency regarding the operational modeling, response-time analysis, and risk assessments that informed the RNLI's decision. They believe that such a significant change in lifesaving provision requires clear evidence demonstrating how equivalent levels of protection will be upheld for those using southern waters. The RNLI has been approached for comment on these concerns.
