Filey to get new fast-response Atlantic 85 lifeboat to replace its all-weather vessel

The Atlantic 85 inshore will replace Filey’s all-weather boat next year.

The new boat is still being built but an inshore lifeboat of the same model from the RNLI’s relief fleet, along with launching and recovery equipment, is due to arrive soon so that Filey’s crew can carry out the intensive training required to learn how to operate it.

Lifeboats have been rescuing people in Filey for nearly 220 years.

The operation started in 1804 when it was rowing boats that were sent out to help people at sea.

As technology has advanced, so have the types of lifeboats being used.

Press officer for Filey Lifeboat John Ward said: “No date has been set for the withdrawal of the all-weather boat but it is expected to be during the first part of 2021, once everyone is satisfied that the new boat can operate safely and competently from Filey beach.

“Some years ago, the RNLI decided that Filey would be better served by an Atlantic 85 as it’s a fast response unit capable of more than 40mph which can reach a casualty much more quickly than conventional lifeboats.

“It does have operational weather limits so some call-outs carried out by Filey Lifeboat in the past will be tasked to Scarborough or Bridlington.

“The type of casualty that the RNLI is called to has changed over the years from fishing vessels in the main to leisure craft. The move to an Atlantic 85 recognises the fact that it is an ideal rescue craft for leisure boats.”

There are two types of B class lifeboat – the Atlantic 75 and the Atlantic 85 – named after Atlantic College in Wales where these rigid inflatable lifeboats were first developed.

The 75 and 85 represent the lengths of the lifeboats – nearly 7.5m and 8.5m respectively.

Introduced into the fleet in 2005, the Atlantic 85 is the third generation of B class lifeboat and is gradually replacing the Atlantic 75.

The Atlantic 75 lifeboat joined the fleet in 1993, replacing the very first B class rigid inflatable lifeboat – the Atlantic 21 – which served from 1972 until 2008.