Tyne Class Lifeboats

The Tyne class lifeboat was the first introduced in 1982 and was the RNLi's first 'fast' slipway launch lifeboat. The Tyne class can also lie afloat. Features Include a low-profile wheelhouse and a separate cabin behind the upper steering position. The propellers are protected by substantial bilge keels.

The Tyne class is self-righting, aided by twin automatically inflating bags on the aft cabin roof. The masts and aerials can be lowered when working with helicopters and to fit into a boathouse. The Tyne carries an X boat, a small unpowered and manually launched inflatable daughter boat, to access areas where the all-weather lifeboat cannot reach.

The last Tyne was built in 1990 and the class was replaced by the Tamar and Shannon class lifeboats. Many of the retired Tyne class lifeboats have now been sold to other rescue organisations across the world.

Wicklow lifeboat station had the honor of being the last RNLI station with a Tyne class lifeboat in service. 47-035 Annie Blaker stood down from service on April 7th 2019. This lifeboat has been the busiest all-weather lifeboat in the history of the station, being involved in over 340 services, rescuing over 400 people.

Tyne Class Facts

Introduced: 1982 (Last built 1990)

Length: 14.3m

Width: 4.4m

Load: 27 tonnes

Launch Type: Slipway or afloat

Fuel Capacity: 2,180 litres

Crew: 6

Range: 240 nautical miles

Max Speed: 18 Knots

Engines: 2 x GM6V92 marine diesel; 425hp each at 2,300rpm or 2 x GM6V92 DDec; 525hp each at 2,300rpm

Lifeboats highlighted in GREEN were based at Irish Lifeboat stations.

Notes

(1) Sold to CRSB China for further service

(2) Sold to ADES Uruguay for further service

(3) Sold to private buyer after RNLI service. In 2018 sold to the Jersey Lifeboat Association (JLA) to provide an independent lifeboat service at St Helier

(4) Now at the RNLI Museum, Chatham

(5) Sold to the Canadian Lifeboat Institution for further service

(6) Sold to the Seychelles Coast Guard

(7) On display at the National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield

(8) Retained on station at St Davids alongside the new Tamar Class lifeboat until completion of the new boathouse in October 2016

(9) Due to go to museum at Lytham St Annes

(10) Last Tyne class lifeboat on station. Replaced by relief Shannon Class lifeboat on 07/04/19

O.N. is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat

Op.No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat carried on the hull

Farewell to the Tyne Class

On Friday, April 7th 2019 the last Tyne Class lifeboat in service with the RNLI stood down from service as relief Shannon Class 13-01 'Jock & Annie Slater' went on station.

47035 'RNLB Annie Blaker' had served as Wicklow Lifeboat for over 30 years. During her time at Wicklow the 'Annie' has launched countless times saving many lives. She was a credit to her crew who looked after her so well over the last three decades. Photo: Tommy Dover