New RNLI Lifeboat slipway

Work on the slipway for the new Cowes RNLI lifeboat station finally reached the stage this week when sections above the low water-line are now very much in evidence.

As the process of putting in place the slipway 'platform' began at the seaward end, the first sections were necessarily under-water - aligned on to tubular piles with the assistance of local divers. But such has been the progress made by the contractor that there are now sections well above low-water. All being well, all sections will be in situ by the end of this week. 

Meanwhile another contractor is well underway converting the Custom House into the new lifeboat station.

The current Cowes RNLI lifeboat station is within Shepards Wharf Marina, but the RNLI is refurbishing the old Custom House building, near the mouth of the River Medina, to create a new lifeboat station. This will bring the lifeboat four minutes closer to the open sea and allow the crew to reach casualties more quickly. For more information or to find out how you can support the Cowes Lifeboat Station Appeal, visit www.rnli.org.uk/cowesappeal