RNLI crew set to take delivery of their new vessel on March 3

Lyme’s new lifeboat is expected to go into service in early March.

Work on the �180,000 vessel is well under way at the RNLI’s boat-building centre on the Isle of Wight.

The new craft is one metre longer than the current one, is faster and can take an extra crew member. It is also fitted with the latest equipment, including radar, GPS and a video camera.

Officials from Lyme Regis visited the Inshore Lifeboat Centre at East Cowes last week as the new boat – an Atlantic 85 class – was nearing the end of its 13 week construction.

The boat, which will be officially named later this year, is currently known by her number - B857.

The new vessel will replace the Pearl of Dorset, an Atlantic 75, which has been serving Lyme Regis since 1967.

Manager of Atlantic boat building Glynn Ferguson said: “These boats are bespoke pieces of kit.

“The crew will love the new vessel for a number of reasons such as the much smoother ride because of the increased V-shape of the bottom and, of course, the radar which makes the search and rescue capability so efficient.”

The new boat is powered by two 115h.p. engines and will be capable of 35 knots.

Lyme Regis crew members will be going on a familiarisation course at the RNLI’s Poole headquarters before sailing the new boat to the resort to begin service on March 3.