A lifeboat charity is currently reviewing what future provisions should be in place at a Suffolk coastal station that has been operating since 1851.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been liaising with volunteers and staff at Aldeburgh about the 'correct lifeboat configuration' as the station's current Mersey-class lifeboat has reached the end of its operational life.
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Currently, the station is home to the Mersey-class all-weather lifeboat Freddie Cooper and the D-class inshore lifeboat, Susan Scott.
However, Freddie Cooper is now nearly 30-years-old, having begun service in 1993 and needs replacing.
So far this year, there have been no call outs for crews at the station, but in 2022 they attended seven incidents.
These included calls to a capsized dinghy in February, a vessel experiencing engine failure in April, a boat that had run aground in May, a grounded yacht and a motor cruiser taking on water in June, a missing swimmer in July and an inflatable kayak in difficulty in August.
An RNLI spokesperson said: "The insight and contribution from the lifeboat station is imperative in helping the RNLI reach a collaborative decision on the correct lifeboat configuration for this stretch of water.
"We are very grateful for their engagement and co-operation with the review.
"As sea use around the coast changes, we must ensure that we have the most appropriate lifeboats in place which will save the greatest number of lives in the most effective way.
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"The RNLI is funded by the generosity of the public and has been for almost 200 years.
"We have a responsibility to provide the right lifesaving service for residents, visitors and those who use the water, while ensuring donations to our charity are spent as wisely and appropriately as possible.
READ MORE: Aldeburgh news
"The all-weather lifeboat remains operational during this time with no impact on service.
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"The review will run over the coming months with a decision expected in the summer of 2023."
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