Looe’s Lifeboat Returns After Vital Maintenance – What’s Next for the RNLI Fleet?

Looe’s D Class inshore lifeboat, D-872 Ollie Naismith II, has returned to station this morning after undergoing maintenance at the Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC) in East Cowes. The lifeboat, which plays a crucial role in rescues along the coast, received a period of “TLC at the ILC” before making its way back to Looe.

Relief Lifeboat Heads to Dart

With the return of Ollie Naismith II, the RNLI’s relief D Class lifeboat, D-881 Dorothy Mills, has now been transported to Dart RNLI Lifeboat Station. This temporary swap ensures that Dart’s team can continue their lifesaving duties while their own D Class undergoes maintenance at the ILC in Cowes.

New Lifeboat for Little & Broad Haven

Also on the transport is a brand-new D Class lifeboat destined for Little & Broad Haven Lifeboat Station. The lifeboat is expected to arrive on station tomorrow, marking another step in the RNLI’s ongoing work to maintain and improve its fleet.

Inside the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre

The Inshore Lifeboat Centre (ILC), located in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, is responsible for supplying and maintaining over half of the lifeboats used by RNLI lifeboat stations and lifeguard units.

With a skilled team of up to 70 boatbuilders, fitters, electricians and solutionists, the centre builds and maintains up to 80 boats per year. This includes inflatable B class and D class lifeboats as well as lifeguards’ inshore rescue boats (IRBs). The site is equipped with a dedicated laminating shop, spray booth, machine shop and welding bay to support the creation and maintenance of these essential rescue boats.

For those interested in the RNLI’s history, the Inshore Lifeboat Visitor and Heritage Centre, opened in 2018 by HRH Princess Anne, offers insight into the vital work carried out at the ILC and the RNLI’s impact on the Isle of Wight and beyond.

With Ollie Naismith II back on duty in Looe, the RNLI continues its careful coordination of lifeboat maintenance to ensure lifesaving operations remain uninterrupted along the UK coastline.