RNLI's last serving Mersey class boat visits the Island

12-20 Leonard Kent to be retired

The last serving Mersey class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet has been paying a visit to the Island's stations.

The 12-20 Leonard Kent left its base in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, for the final time last week.

Yesterday afternoon the vessel took part in exercises with Port Erin Lifeboat Station, and visited Port St Mary, Peel and Ramsey bay before heading round to Douglas. 

The Mersey class was introduced in 1988 and went on to be a great servant to the RNLI's fleet, the charity says.

With a top speed of 17 knots, it was the last all-weather lifeboat not to have a 25-knot capability.

Read more HERE.

The vessel is set to leave Douglas for Fleetwood RNLI this morning (18 January) where it will be retired.