A new super-fast water-propelled lifeboat could be taking to the seas off Suffolk within the next five years.

Using water jets instead of propellers, the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat is up to 50% faster than the existing Mersey class lifeboat at Aldeburgh station.

Aldeburgh RNLI lifeboat crew shared their delight at receiving news of the next generation all-weather lifeboat’s arrival, expected in 2021, following a recent routine review of coastal operations at the station.

The state-of-the-art lifeboat will replace Freddie Cooper, which came to the station in 1993, and is the newest in the RNLI’s all-weather fleet.

Steven Saint, coxswain at Aldeburgh RNLI lifeboat station, said: “We are all thrilled to hear the exciting news that we will be receiving a Shannon class lifeboat. With a top speed of 25 knots, the Shannon is 50% faster than the Mersey we currently have on station – which will help us get to casualties quicker when we get called out.

“The Shannon will come with a custom built carriage and launch system which will enable us to launch quickly to those in peril at sea.”

Across the RNLI, the Shannon lifeboat will gradually replace the Mersey and Tyne class lifeboats, which are nearing the end of their operational lives.