THE team at Sharpness Lifeboat Station got their first look at their brand new craft last week.

Currently still under construction in Plymouth, the state of the art lifeboat has been designed specially for the harsh conditions of the river Severn.

With the second highest tidal range in the world, the Severn Estuary is subject to notoriously rough conditions and even the most robust craft can struggle in its waters.

Geoff Dawe, senior helmsman and lifeboat operations manager at the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) Sharpness Lifeboat Station said he was delighted with progress on the as yet named vessel.

Mr Dawe has been in charge of the new lifeboat project, from inception and raising funds, to hull and console design, and is now project managing the build.

He said: “We had a long day at Plymouth to observe drop and stability tests for the new lifeboat.

“When it’s finished, it will be one of the most up to date lifeboats in the UK”

The bespoke craft is being kitted out with cutting-edge equipment, including a heat-seeking camera system, to help locate casualties in the water at night.

In addition to its advanced electronics package, the craft has a sturdy 10mm thick aluminium hull to battle the unique conditions of the Severn.

“The water in Severn has high sharp waves, containing a high density of sand and silt, which puts terrific pressure on the hull,” said Mr Dawe.

“Coming up against its four meter high waves can be like hitting a brick wall.”

This powerful impact takes its toll, physically, on crew members too.

To help lessen the body impact they experience, the boat also features hydraulic shock mitigating seating.

“The next step is sea trials,” said Mr Dawe.

“Then later in the year, there will be a naming, blessing and launch ceremony.”

After that, the as yet unnamed boat will be stationed at Sharpness to provide 24/7 life saving duties on the water.