Looe RNLI’s £214,000 new lifeboat ‘Sheila & Dennis II’ has arrived.

Named in recognition of a large donation to fund the boat, she will replace the aging B Class ‘Alan & Margaret’ which, after 13 years’ service at Looe, was retired on Thursday. 

Training of the 27 crew and support team staff has been taking place this week.

The new B Class 85 lifeboat was introduced in 2005; in 2010 B class lifeboats were launched 2,995 times, rescued 2,924 people and saved 101 lives.

The boat has advanced electronic communication and navigation equipment. It is self-righting and will turn upright after capsizing in a few seconds. The two 115 HP engines give the boat a top speed of 35 knots and endurance of 2.5 hours. There are four crew and the boat can carry up to 20 casualties.

Dave Haines, Looe Lifeboats operations manager said: ‘We are delighted with this new craft and everyone is very impressed with its performance and handling.This boat will ensure we can continue our primary role of saving lives at sea.’ 

Although the new lifeboat comes into service today, there will be a formal naming ceremony on Saturday, November 12.