Newcastle RNLI in County Down will bid farewell to its all-weather lifeboat, the final operational Mersey class vessel in the charity’s fleet, on Sunday 11 January.
The farewell launch is scheduled for 12.20pm, matching the identification number carried by the lifeboat Leonard Kent.
RNLI volunteers in Newcastle have operated Mersey class lifeboats since 1993. Crews served aboard the Eleanor and Bryant Girling before moving to the Leonard Kent.
Daniel Curran, Newcastle RNLI Launch Authority, said the event would be a landmark moment for the station and the charity.
“This is a big occasion for all at the station and for the RNLI, as we bid a fond and final farewell to the Mersey,” he said. “We want to invite volunteers, families and supporters to join us for what will be a historic weekend.”
The RNLI station in Newcastle will open to the public on Saturday 10 January from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will be able to view the Leonard Kent for the final time.
On Sunday, the public is invited to witness the final launch from the station. The launch will use a falls launching system dating back to around 1785.
The system allows lifeboats to be launched at low water directly from the beach.
The weekend marks the end of Mersey class operations in Newcastle and across the RNLI fleet.
