I have just read a really interesting article in the Telegraph, It talks about the work of a man called David Stogdon, who has died aged 89. David Stogdon said “there should be no more lifeboat widows” and as a result of his ideas he was a driving force behind the change of boat style used by the RNLI to a RIB. These RIBs are used today by our lifeboat service(RNLI) and others around the world.
Stogdon set out to design a lifeboat which could not be sunk and which would not capsize and trap its crew.
It’s been some of the most unpleasant weather ever recorded in March this last week. Ships have stopped sailing, Aircraft have been delayed and houses flooded.
Knowing that Our Ballistic RIBs are some of the only boats capable of crossing the Solent safely in these very unpleasant conditions, JBT Marine were contacted by Mr Harmesh Pooni who was in need of a ration pack containing his favourite breakfast cereal. (Crunchy nut cornflakes)
JBT Marine like a challenge, so we immediately got our Ballistic 7.8 RIB ready for the mission and made the epic high speed trip across the Solent to No Mans Land Fort where we delivered the rations in perfect condition for Mr Pooni’s breakfast.
Whilst we were at it we decided to try our hand at making a RIB video, Have a look below.
They tried to refloat the Portrush lifeboat Katie Hannan but it has not been possible. The stranded 17m craft, which has a 3m long by 10cm wide hole along the, will now be lifted on to a barge for removal.
Katie Hannan was left high and dry on Rathlin Island by a freak wave while trying to save the crew of a RIB that had got into difficulties. Coastguards rescued the RIB crew and also helped the lifeboat crew ashore.
A relief lifeboat has already been placed on station at Portrush, but it is reported that Katie Hannan may be damaged too badly to repair her. Portrush is in Northern island.
