RNLI to Swap Hastings Lifeboat for Faster, Sleeker Mk 4 Atlantic 85
The RNLI is shaking up its fleet with a slick new lifeboat set to arrive in Hastings in 2027. The ageing Shannon class Richard and Caroline Colton, on duty since 2018, will be retired — replaced by a nimble Mk 4 Atlantic 85 designed to tackle the changing face of sea rescues near UK shores.
From Shannon Class to Agile Atlantic 85: Why the Change?
More rescues are happening closer to shore these days, thanks to the boom in paddleboarding, open water swimming, and other water sports. The RNLI needs faster, more manoeuvrable boats that can respond quickly to these near-shore emergencies.
The switch means the Hastings crew will trade their all-weather Shannon vessel for the Atlantic 85, perfect for quick strikes in shallower, rockier waters.
Built to Brave Rough Seas and Save Lives Fast
“We are committed to supporting Hastings through this change. We are confident the Mk 4 Atlantic class lifeboat is the most suitable asset to serve this area of the coastline,” said Craig Maltby, RNLI area operations manager. “We acknowledge the generosity of the local community at Hastings, for which we are incredibly grateful. We hope that their support will continue as we adapt our lifeboats around the coast of the UK and Ireland to the changing nature of lifesaving.”
The Mk 4 Atlantic 85 can handle near-gale force winds up to force 7 by day and force 6 at night, operate close to cliffs and sharp rocks, and keep crews and casualties safer than ever before. It’s a game-changer for inshore rescues.
Part of a Nationwide Fleet Overhaul Across 20 Stations
Hastings is just one of 20 out of 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland set to swap boats by 2027. Alongside Hastings, Ilfracombe and Lytham St Annes will also trade their Shannon crafts for the beefed-up Atlantic 85s.
“For over 200 years, the RNLI has been a charity with a simple mission – to save lives at sea. Clear evidence shows the nature of lifesaving is changing, at a time when demand for our vital service is increasing. We must respond to this,” said RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes.
“If the RNLI is going to save even more lives, our lifeboat and lifeguard services must continue to adapt to these changing needs. We have a responsibility to spend our donors’ money where it will best meet the evolving demand. Our lifeboat fleet strategy ensures that the decisions we make today will set us on a sustainable trajectory, providing a future-fit, safe, and effective lifesaving service.”
The RNLI insists this isn’t about cutting back, but about smartly matching lifeboats to where they’re needed most—keeping UK seas safer for everyone.
