In pictures: Hastings lifeboat crew put new faster boat through its paces

It was announced that Hastings will receive a new Mk 4 Atlantic 85 class lifeboat in 2027. The high-powered inshore lifeboat will replace the current Shannon class all-weather lifeboat Richard and Caroline Colton which has operated from the station since 2018.

The decision was made as part of a wider strategy across the charity ensuring it has the most appropriate lifeboats in the right places which will save the greatest number of lives.

As part of the preparations for the new boat, a much older Atlantic 85 has been at Hastings lifeboat station this week, to trial launching the boat, and recovering it back onto the beach.

The results of the trial will be used to ensure that the most appropriate launching and recovery arrangements are used. The beach at Hastings is particularly difficult to launch from and recover back onto because of its steepness, and the way the shingle constantly moves.

Hastings lifeboat operations manager Jo explained: “The crew are looking forward to the challenge of the new lifeboat, particularly suited to the majority of ‘shouts’ that we are called out for. The Atlantic 85 can be launched much quicker than our current Shannon, needs less crew, and can also get much closer to casualties trapped under the cliff. It also has a much higher top speed than either of our current lifeboats.

“It was great to see an Atlantic 85 here, although we will be getting a newer model than the one on trial this week. And for the trial we used an old ‘Talus’ tractor, first introduced over 50 years ago, to move the boat across the beach, which brought a touch of nostalgia too. We’re still not sure what tractor will be used to launch the new boat when it arrives, that was one of the reasons we had the trial.”