New Shannon class lifeboat visiting Island

A new class of lifeboat expected to seen in Manx waters in a few years' time is visiting the Island this weekend.

The RNLI prototype Shannon class all-weather lifeboat is currently undergoing sea trials in the Irish Sea.

It's the first modern RNLI all-weather lifeboat to be powered by waterjets instead of propellers, making it faster and more manoeuvrable when reaching casualties

During the course of her trials the Shannon is stopping off at a number of lifeboat stations that currently have Mersey class lifeboats, so the station crews can familiarise themselves with the new boat and gain an idea of what to expect.

The vessel is due to be in Douglas today and tomorrow morning, then Ramsey from late Sunday morning to mid-afternoon, Peel for late Sunday afternoon and returning to Douglas for Sunday evening possibly via Port St Mary for refuelling.

The first Shannon class vessel is expected to be operational by November and will be stationed at Dungeness.

It's thought that Douglas, Ramsey and Peel lifeboats will be replaced with Shannon class all-weather lifeboats between 2016 and 2018.