The new inshore Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, the Gladys Hilda Mustoe goes into service today.

The new lifeboat arrived at RNLI Salcombe three weeks ago to replace the Atlantic 75, Joan Bate which has served at the station since 2003.

The new lifeboat has several advantages over its predecessor with room for up to four crew members and considerably more rescue equipment than the Atlantic 75.

Gladys Hilda Mustoe is powered by two 115hp engines, has a stronger hull and an increased top speed of 35 knots . Radar allows the crew to operate more effectively, when in poor visibility and she has VHF direction-finding equipment to assist in locating casualty vessels.

There is a much improved and upgraded suite of communication and electronic navigation aids, a searchlight, night vision equipment and flares for night time operations. In an emergency, she can also be beached without causing any damage to engines or steering gear.

Similarly to the Atlantic 75, the new vessel has a manually operated self-righting mechanism and inversion-proofed engines which keep her operational even after capsizing.

Mark Dowie, Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said how grateful the crew were to the donor family for their donation which has funded the new lifeboat.

“I am sure that she will be a worthy successor to her predecessor and that lives will be saved by her and her crew” added Mark.

“As we welcome a new lifeboat, there is also a sense of nostalgia as we bid a fond farewell to the Joan Bate, a lifeboat that provided us with 14 great years of service. “Her time here in Salcombe brought many people safely to shore and we are proud of her many achievements.”

There will be a formal naming ceremony for the new lifeboat on May, 1 with events planned in both Salcombe and Kingsbridge.