RIBCRAFT DELIVERS NEW BOAT TO BELFAST SAR

Ribcraft has completed and delivered a new lifeboat for Lagan Search and Rescue (LSAR), a water rescue charity based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Following a tender process LSAR chose Ribcraft to design and build its new lifeboat because they wanted a company capable of providing a strong, durable craft who would offer a bespoke service meaning the charity could have the boat constructed to its exacting requirements.

The 8m vessel has a 3m beam with twin engines, self-righting A frame and a large console and replaces the previous RIB which has been in service since 1981. Built to comply with the Rescue Boat Code, it is the latest search and rescue design from Ribcraft with the same design handed over to Ryde Inshore Rescue on the Isle of Wight last year.

Yamaha engines and Raymarine electronics

The vessel has Twin Yamaha F150 engines giving a top speed of 45 knots, full Ullman shock mitigating suspension seats, Raymarine electronics with the latest FLIR (night vision) system with augmented reality navigating systems. There is also a salvage pump capable of pumping water from sinking vessels and a five crew wireless communication system with technology from IWCS Denmark.

The Ribcraft comes from a long line of independent search and rescue projects over the past 30 years with more than 30 Ribcraft independent lifeboats built, many of which are still operating to this day.