21 February 2014
The wait is over as The Morrell arrives on station at Dungeness, Kent. The first fully operational Shannon class lifeboat is 50% faster than the Mersey she replaces. She will reach casualties more quickly and, thanks to advances such as in-seat controls, the Dungeness volunteers will head to the rescue more safely. Powered by waterjets instead of propellers, this is one of the most agile all-weather lifeboats in the RNLI’s fleet. Shallow water rescues or an emergency beach landing are taken in this cuttingedge lifeboat’s stride. The Morrell’s arrival on station heralds the start of the final phase of plans for a 25-knot all-weather lifeboat fleet.

'The Shannon is a fantastic lifeboat, and everyone is thrilled to be a part of it – and to be the first station to have the Shannon is just so special for us'
Stuart Adams
Dungeness Lifeboat Station Coxswain

'The manoeuvrability of a jet-driven boat is phenomenal; it really has to be seen to be believed'
Trevor Bunney
Dungeness Lifeboat Station Mechanic