St Abbs Lifeboat Returns to Marine Specialised Technology for Mid-Life Refit of ‘Thomas Tunnock’
Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST) is proud to announce it has been awarded the contract for a 10-year mid-life minor refit of the St Abbs Independent Lifeboat, the ‘Thomas Tunnock’.
The vessel, a high-specification MST SAR-900W RHIB, was originally commissioned and built by MST in 2016. Returning to its birthplace for this essential maintenance ensures the craft continues to meet the rigorous demands of search and rescue operations in the North Sea.
Upgrading for the Next Decade
A key component of the refit includes a significant propulsion upgrade. MST will replace the original power units with a new pair of Mercury 200hp V6 4-stroke engines, supplied by the renowned UK distributor, Barrus. This upgrade will provide the crew with enhanced reliability, improved fuel efficiency, and the latest in maritime engine technology.
A Legacy of Lifesaving
St Abbs Lifeboat has been a cornerstone of maritime safety since 1911, saving lives along the Scottish Borders coastline for over a century. Operating as an independent charity since 2016, the station receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of public donations.
The lifeboat is manned by a crew of highly experienced men and women, many of whom are professional fishermen and divers with an unparalleled understanding of local waters. Together, the current crew boasts an incredible 330 years of personal experience in saving lives at sea.
Supporting Independent Search and Rescue
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with St Abbs Independent Lifeboat,” said a spokesperson for MST. “The ‘Thomas Tunnock’ is a vital asset for a crew with such an extraordinary depth of local knowledge and experience. This refit ensures they have the most reliable equipment possible as they continue their life-saving work.”
The work will be conducted at MST’s specialist facilities in Bromborough, where the vessel will undergo technical inspections and systems refreshes alongside the engine installation.
How to Support
As an independent station, St Abbs Lifeboat relies solely on the public to keep their crew safe and their vessel operational. You can find more information about their vital work at www.stabbslifeboat.org.uk.
Donations to support the station and this refit project can be made via their JustGiving page.