Great Yarmouth RNLI's £2.5m lifeboat joins relief fleet

RNLI Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's the George and Frances Phelon was delivered to the station last September - but has yet to be sent to sea.

The lifeboat has been sitting on dry land due to the lack of permanent mooring at the station on the east coast.

The vessel, a Shannon Class RNLB 13-44, is the nation's first legacy lifeboat - meaning it bears the name of a person who has left a gift in their will to the RNLI on its bow.

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The lifeboat at its launch procession last year (Image: Mick Howes) It took the name of the Phelons, a couple from Bradford who left £3m to the charity.

The lack of use led former coxswain Paddy Lee to voice his anger by calling it "disgusting" and "absolutely disgraceful" that the lifeboat was not doing life-saving work.

Mr Lee also said that many years ago, the crew told the RNLI that the berth was too dangerous for the vessel - but the charity did not listen.

The RNLI said preparation works were carried out in advance of the lifeboat’s arrival and while they later learned more work would be needed on the berth, the lifeboat was delivered to the station to ensure the crew could start training immediately.

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Paddy Lee, former coxswain of RNLI Great Yarmouth and Gorleston (Image: Great Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI) But now 13 months later, the charity has announced it will be joining the RNLI's relief fleet and could be used at stations anywhere in the country - sparking disappointment from the local community.

Gorleston Councillor Paul Wells said: "As a coastal community Gorleston and the entire east coast are lucky to have an organisation such as the RNLI, as well as independent organisations like Caister Lifeboat.

"All of them do a fantastic job helping to keep people safe. This news appears to be disappointing, however, I will be seeking clarity on the issue."

Cllr Paul Wells (Image: GYBC) An RNLI spokesman said: "While negotiations continue to find a permanent berth for the George and Frances Phelon, she is going to be used in the relief fleet where she is much-needed so that other lifeboats of the same type can undergo essential repairs and maintenance.

"She has already been used in the training of volunteers so they have the right skills and can crew our modern all-weather lifeboats to optimum effect."

It is not known if the boat will ever return to Great Yarmouth or where its new permanent home will be.