The Hartlepool station of the UK's Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) recently welcomed a new rescue boat into service.
The 13.6-metre, all-weather boat has been named John Sharp after an 18th century philanthropist and marine lifesaving pioneer. It was designed and built in-house by the RNLI to have an operational life of 50 years with refits required only every 25 years.
The vessel's waterjet propulsion delivers a speed of 25 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles. The hull meanwhile helps reduce slamming even in rough seas while the vessel itself is capable of self-righting following a capsize even with 18 casualties on board.
The vessel has space for six crewmembers and up to 61 additional personnel such as rescued survivors. Shock-mitigating seats are available for the crew.
The boat can be launched from a carriage or slipway, or it can simply be moored afloat. A shallow draught meanwhile enables safe navigation even in nearshore and inland waters.