Larne Lifeboat Station's New D-Class Lifeboat Officially Named

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On the 22nd of April 2006 Larne's new D-Class lifeboat D-646 Hannahbella Ferguson was officially named at a ceremony at East Antrim Boat Club.  The new lifeboat had previously been placed on service at Larne on the 4th of August 2005 and up until her naming ceremony had been called into action 5 times.  She is among the first of her type to be deployed in Ireland

The construction of the new boat had been funded by a legacy from Mr Robert Ferguson Hawkins who lived in Canada but had emigrated there from his original home at Islandmagee.  His relative William Hawkins was present at the ceremony and officially delivered the lifeboat on behalf of the family to the RNLI.

It was with great pleasure that Larne station's Lifeboat Operations Manager Andrew Hutcheson accepted the lifeboat from the Hawkins family on behalf of the station. After a short service of dedication conducted by local clergymen Rev Mark Loney, Rev Colin McClure, Fr Rory Sheehan and Rev Richard Russell the new boat was given a champagne christening by Mrs. Nora Evans and named Hannahbella Ferguson. 

Larne ILB crew members then took the new lifeboat and launched her into her natural element at 1600 to the sound of a roaring chorus from the horns of the ferries berthed at the nearby commercial docks of the Port of Larne.

The Hannahbella Ferguson offers significant improvements in power and lifesaving capability compared to the previous D-Class lifeboat stationed at Larne, the Jean and Paul.  The powerful 50 horsepower outboard engine increases the new lifeboat's speed to 25 knots, 5 knots faster than the older craft.  The enhanced equipment pod at the forward end now includes a GPS plotter and VHF radio headsets for the crew improving the craft's ability to pinpoint a casualty and quickly co-ordinate a rescue attempt.  Improved equipment stowage ensures the crew have quick and easy access to all the onboard equipment in an emergency situation.

The fully inflatable lifeboat is built of nylon based material coated with hypalon which is impact and abrasion resistant.  The hull is divided into seven compartments and should any become punctured the lifeboat will retain its full service capability.  The transom is GRP which is both light and durable ideal for mounting the powerful outboard engine.  Crew comfort is not forgotten as a soft mattress is provided along the vessel's bottom to help absorb the pounding forces experienced as the lifeboat speeds her way through all sorts of sea states.

D-646 Hannahbella Ferguson enters the water at East Antrim Boat Club after her naming ceremony (click to enlarge).

D-646 Hannahbella Ferguson put through her paces by her crew (click to enlarge).