RNLI's last Mersey class lifeboat completes final journey off Newcastle coastline

The Leonard Kent, the RNLI's last operational Mersey class lifeboat, made a final launch at 12.20pm as volunteers and crews marked its retirement; Mersey class boats launched over 11,800 times and aided 13,784 people during their service.

Volunteers and crews at Newcastle RNLI marked the final launch of the Leonard Kent, the charity's last operational Mersey class lifeboat, which left the water at 12.20pm for a final time. The event brought together current and former volunteers who had served on Mersey boats at Newcastle for more than three decades. The station has recently taken two new inshore lifeboats into service, an Atlantic 85 and a D class, as part of its ongoing operations. Key facts: - The Leonard Kent was the last operational Mersey class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet and made its final launch at 12.20pm. - Mersey class lifeboats were introduced in 1988 and, across their service, launched over 11,800 times and aided 13,784 people, including 1,254 lives saved. - Volunteers from Kilkeel joined the final voyage in both their new Shannon class and an Atlantic 85, and Newcastle RNLI also launched its Atlantic 85 and D class on the day. - Volunteers and onlookers from Clogherhead, Kilkeel, Donaghadee, Larne and Portrush RNLI attended or watched from shore. - The retirement of the Mersey class means the RNLI fleet can now reach a 25-knot capability across its all-weather boats. Summary: The farewell marked the end of nearly four decades of Mersey class service and recognised the long contribution of volunteers and local supporters. Newcastle RNLI has recently brought an Atlantic 85 and a D class into service to continue inshore rescue work. The report notes ongoing training and operational activity as the station transitions to its newer boats.