Lifesaving boat will be shipshape

A BOAT set to save lives on the Humber estuary is taking shape in an East Riding workshop.

Humber Rescue's current vessel has been credited with saving 50 people.

But after 14 years of service on one of the world's most dangerous estuaries, it is showing signs of wear and tear.

Now, a state-of-the-art replacement is being built in a farm workshop.

Dave Roberts, a founder member of the charity based on Hessle Foreshore, said: "We expect the boat to be delivered in around a month-and-a-half.

"It is the same model as the old one – 8.5m long. But it is 40cm wider. This will make it a lot easier to carry out resuscitations on board."

The XS Ribs 850, currently under construction, costs �71,000.

For the past six years the charity – launched in 1989 – has raised funds to pay for it.

As previously reported, an un-named woman left �25,000 in her will to Humber Rescue and that donation helped the charity reach its target.

Mr Roberts said: "That donation was the icing on the cake and allowed us to order the boat.

"It will be capable of reaching speeds of up 40 knots."

Humber Rescue's current boat was built by Tornado.

That firm that has since moved its work abroad but many of its workers transferred to XS Ribs which is manufacturing the new boat.

Laurence Lock, managing director of XS Ribs, said: "Some of the guys who worked on the old boat are now building this one.

"This craft is highly specified to suit the specific requirements of Humber Rescue.

"The environment of the Humber is very testing of any boat and the sea conditions can be rough."

Several businesses contributed to fund the boat – which is the same model as that used by Humber Police's marine search unit - including Sainsbury's at Hessle, which chose Humber Rescue as its charity of the year.

Hull City's new owner Assem Allam, owner of Melton-based manufacturing firm Allam Marine, also made a donation.

Mr Roberts said the charity would use the old boat for training purposes.

"We are looking to extend the boathouse to accommodate both boats," he said. "When we get the new boat we will need to find somewhere secure to store our old one."

Humber Rescue has 20 fully-trained crew members and three trainees, supported by a four-strong fundraising team.

If you are able to offer Humber Rescue a temporary storage facility, call the boathouse on 01482 648200.

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503342/s/1235ddfb/l/0L0Sthisishullandeastriding0O0Cnews0CLifesaving0Eboat0Eshipshape0Carticle0E31592970Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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