NEW LAUNCH FACILITY PROJECT FOR SHARPNESS LIFEBOAT STATION

 

Consent for a new slipway to launch and recover the Sharpness Lifeboats has been given by the Marine Consents & Environmental Unit.

Currently the lifeboat is craned into the water by a crane which is approaching 100 years old. Parts to keep the crane serviceable are becoming impossible to locate.

To ensure the future launch facility of the lifeboats, and to ensure that a speedy launch can be achieved at all states of the tide, a slipway was identified as the best method to launch and recover the lifeboats.

Now that consent has been obtained to construct the slipway, funds need to be raised to pay for the project.  The Station Committee are looking for partners who may be able to assist with the funding of the project, or, to assist in the supply of materials and / or equipment for the construction. 

The speed of the tide and the topography of the area, make  speedy launching of the lifeboats critical, if lives are to be saved in these dangerous waters. Increasing use of the area is being made for leisure purposes, both on the water and on the sandbanks and at the waters edge.

This is dramatically increasing the potential for serious incidents to occur.

The lifeboats at Sharpness attended 24 incidents in 2006. Already in 2007, the lifeboats have recovered 1 body following a waterborne search and attended a motor boat on rocks and a potential suicide.

The slipway will ensure the future of the Lifeboat  Station at Sharpness, and enable quicker and much safer launching and recovery for training of crew as well as launching to rescues.

Please help if you can. You WILL assist in the saving of lives in the future by helping to bring the project to fruition.

To offer any assistance, please contact the SARA Executive, heading your enquiry, SHARPNESS LAUNCH FACILITY,  or to receive an information pack, contact Geoff Dawe on 07831 575356  at any time, or email geoff.dawe@btconnect.com