B Class (Atlantic 75) Lifeboats
B Class (Atlantic 75) Lifeboats
The Atlantic 75 is part of the B-class of lifeboats that served the shores of the United Kingdom and Ireland as part of the RNLI inshore fleet.
The Atlantic 75 is the second generation Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in the B-class series, developed from the Atlantic 21. These boats gradually replaced the Atlantic 21 fleet. The third generation Atlantic 85 lifeboat has now replaced the Atlantic 75 in service. The final Atlantic 75 was withdrawn for service in December 2021.
One of the main improvements made to the Atlantic 75 is the addition of a ballast tank at the front of the boat which enables the boat to launch into larger surf than the Atlantic 21. The ballast when full, either of sea water or water from a hose, weighs the same as three fully-grown men.
In the event of a capsize, a crew member activates a gas bottle to inflate the self-righting bag and the lifeboat turns upright in a few seconds.
B Class (Atlantic 75) Facts
B Class (Atlantic 75) Facts
- Introduced: 1963 (Latest version 2003)
- Length: 5m
- Width: 2m
- Load: 400kg
- Launch Type: Trolley or davit
- Fuel Capacity: 68 litres
- Crew: 2-3
- Range: 3 hours at maxium speed
- Engines: 1 x mariner at 40 or 50hp
Lifeboats highlighted in GREEN were based at Irish Lifeboat stations.
Notes
(1) On display at Sheringham Museum.
(2) Sold to the Finnish Lifeboat Society.
(3) On display at the National Maritime Museum, Falmouth.
(4) Sold to Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
(5) Sold to the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR).
(6) Sold to the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM).
(7) Sold to Haverigg Inshore Rescue.
(8) Sold to the Red Cross, Biscay.
(9) Sold to the Hellanic Rescue Team, Lesbos, Greece.
(10) Sold to Mersey & Rescue.
(11) Damaged beyond repair.
(12) Sold to Estonia SAR.
(13) Sold to Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat.