Built by Red Bay Boats of Northern Ireland, the eight-metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) is the largest and most powerful rescue vessel used in the Highlands and Islands Airports network. The fast rescue boat was built to meet the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and is the fifth vessel constructed by Red Bay Boats for HIAL.

The close proximity of Sumburgh’s runways to the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea means the airport - the second busiest in the Highlands and Islands Airports group - falls within Civil Aviation Authority requirements to provide equipment and trained personnel to respond to any aircraft incident at sea. Fast rescue boats are also deployed at Kirkwall, Stornoway, Benbecula and Islay airports.

Sumburgh’s 21 fire-fighters are highly trained in boat handling and sea rescue and will take turns to crew the three-man RIB. The new RIB has many advantages over its predecessor and is substantially better equipped to deal with any rescue operations in the often harsh weather conditions off Shetland.

The boat is powered by two 125HP Yanmar engines driving Hamilton water jets and is capable of exceeding the specification speed of 30 knots. A large deck area leads to a full width engine bay which is designed for working causalities from a helicopter on rescue missions.

The new RIB is also equipped with radar technology and has been fitted with Raytheon 7" colour plotter/radar overlay, Lowrance depth sounder, Raytheon fluxgate compass, deck lights, spot lights and a bilge pump system.

The RIB has 22" diameter tubes with double heavy duty ‘D’ fendering, lifelines, Treadmaster anti-wear patches and a non-slip floor. It is fully equipped with various life rafts and other lifesaving equipment.

At a cost of £77,000 the new fast rescue boat is a major investment in safety infrastructure at Sumburgh. Airport manager Niger Flaws explains: "It is essential that we have first class emergency response capabilities and we consider it an important investment to provide safety cover that exceeds regulatory requirements. This new RIB is by far the best rescue vessel in the Highlands and Islands Airports network and underlines our commitment to providing a safe and efficient airport infrastructure across our operating network."

The fire-fighters at Sumburgh are also pleased with the new vessel as the forward cuddy cabin and specialised hydraulic trailer to enable bow launching from the beach has made their job much safer. Airport rescue teams at Sumburgh also assists in non-air rescues, providing support to Shetland’s coastguards in marine incidents.

Senior airport fire officer Justin Elridge says: "We are all delighted with the specification and performance of the new RIB and it will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable lifesaving asset for the airport and the local community."

ENDS