The RNLI plans to reduce its all-weather lifeboat fleet as part of a strategic shift in how it delivers lifesaving services.
Chief Executive Peter Sparkes said the move reflects a major change in the nature of incidents at sea.
“The nature of lifesaving at sea has changed profoundly,” he said. “More often than not we now rescue people who begin onshore and get into difficulty.”
He noted that 98% of launches are now within 10 miles of shore, with just 0.2% occurring beyond 25 miles.
“We must evolve and adapt to ensure that we continue to fulfil our vital purpose to save lives at sea,” he said.
Course Change – RNLI chief executive Peter Sparkes outlines plans to reshape the charity’s fleet, focusing on nearshore rescues as incident patterns shift across UK and Irish waters Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams
Under the RNLI’s ‘One Crew, One Plan; RNLI 2026-30’ strategy, the charity aims to create a more integrated service, starting onshore and working outwards.
The plan includes reducing the all-weather fleet from 155 vessels to around 100, while ensuring assets are deployed where they have the greatest impact.
Sparkes described the changes as “a change in tack” and said the organisation is also upgrading facilities at lifeboat stations.
The RNLI, founded 202 years ago, has saved more than 146,700 lives.
