The brand new £2.2 million RNLI Sheerness lifeboat arrived in Kent this afternoon (April 28).

The state-of-the-art jet powered Shannon-class 'all weather' lifeboat arrived numbered 13-38 and named "Judith Copping Joyce", was welcomed and escorted in by the existing Trent class lifeboat "George and Ivy Swanson" plus the Sheerness inshore lifeboat "Buster".

The new boat was originally due to arrive Dec 2020, but its arrival was set back by Covid.

Footage shows the existing lifeboats going out to meet the new lifeboat as arrived, before escorting it in to the Port of Sheerness, where it will be berthed. Svitzer tug 'Vidar' can be seen spraying water jets in celebration and to welcome the new craft home.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the United Kingdom and is supported by voluntary donations.