Severn Class - All Weather Lifeboat

The Station has two Lifeboats - a Severn Class - Operational Number 1255 - Class Number 17-28 and D651 an inflatable. This section of the site covers mainly the Operational Activity of 'RNLB Alec and Christina Dykes'.

The Severn Class boat was named on the 18th August 2002. She came to Torbay and took up service on 1 November 2001. During her commissioning period the boat spent time at the Southampton Boat Show and visited the River Thames.

The boat is named 'RNLB Alec and Christina Dykes' in memory of Mrs Helen Christina Dykes whose bequest covered almost half of the build cost. A number of other individuals and organisations made significant contributions to the lifeboat and its facilities. These are noted on a brass plaque which is mounted in the wheelhouse. Mrs Dykes during her lifetime donated a 'D Class' to Ilfracombe Station which was named in memory of her husband.

The Station D Class Inshore Lifeboat is D-651 and named 'John William Hirst'. See ILB Section for details

For information the lifeboats are described within the service as the 'All Weather Boat' (AWB) and the 'Inshore Lifeboat' (ILB)

A list of all boats that have served Torbay are set down under the Archives Section.

To view a summary of monthly launches for both boats click here.

The Severn Class Lifeboat is designed to lie afloat and is currently the largest lifeboat in the fleet. It carries a 'Y' class inflatable which was originally launched and recovered using a lightweight framework and winch. In 2004 this was replaced by a small Hyab type crane. The Y boat enables rescues or the transfer of equipment close to the shore. The Severn and Trent boats share the same hull shape with the Trent being a approximately 3 metres shorter but has the same speed and endurance as the Severn Class.

The Arun Class built between 1971 and 1990 are gradually being replaced by the Severn and Trent Class boats.

Severn Class Technical Details

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Last modified: November 12, 2008

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