A new £2.7 million Shannon Class lifeboat is set to join the Larne RNLI fleet, marking the start of a new era in lifesaving for the coastal community after 25 years of dedicated service from its outgoing Trent Class vessel, Dr John McSparran.
On Tuesday 21 October, a seven-strong delegation from Larne RNLI travelled to the charity’s All-Weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole to attend a traditional bell-ringing ceremony, where the new lifeboat — named Machiko Nancy (13-58) — was officially launched into the water for the first time.
The vessel, which represents the latest in RNLI design and technology, will now undergo final sea trials and commissioning before making her way to Larne to begin active service.
The Larne team at the event included Lifeboat Boathouse Manager Jim Kerr, Senior Station Technician Derek Rea, and volunteer crew members Chris Dorman, Ross Stewart, Nigel Kane, Roy McMullan, and Gary Hanna, who were given a tour of the state-of-the-art production facility.
Speaking at the ceremony, Derek Rea described the milestone as both “proud and emotional” for the station:
“It was a privilege for us to be here this morning and to represent our wider station team. Welcoming this new lifeboat heralds a new chapter in Larne RNLI’s history — one that will bring fresh training commitments and dedication for our crew.
“Our Trent class lifeboat has served us well for the last 25 years, but this new Shannon will only strengthen our proud lifesaving history.”
He also paid tribute to the station’s volunteers and their families, adding:
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue saving lives at sea with the very latest in lifeboat technology. This new era is a result of significant investment in lifesaving on our coast, and we look forward to an exciting few months ahead as the vessel arrives in Larne.”
The Machiko Nancy has been largely funded by Michael Cameron through the Cameron Family Charitable Foundation and named in memory of his late wife, Machiko Nancy, one of the foundation’s founders.
Mr Cameron attended the bell-ringing ceremony and said naming the lifeboat in her honour was a fitting tribute:
“Throughout her life, Machiko lived according to the samurai attributes of independence, determination, ambition, strength, reliability and professionalism. She strived to help others and is still much missed by those whose lives she touched.
“The RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea perfectly reflects her spirit, and this naming is a meaningful way to remember her.”
The official naming ceremony and service of dedication for Machiko Nancy will take place in Larne next year.
As the station prepares for her arrival, the Larne community looks forward to continuing its long-standing tradition of saving lives at sea — a mission as vital today as it was when the Dr John McSparran first launched 25 years ago.