2009

Max Aitken III was retired to the relief fleet and temporarily replaced by a Mersey Class lifeboat, stationed at the Point in Bembridge and launched across the beach by tractor.

It had also become clear that the old station was no longer fit for the requirements of the station’s lifeboats and crew and it needed replacing.

The RNLI has put in motion plans to provide a new Tamar Class lifeboat, and build a new station fit for the 21st century, at the cost of £10M. The station launched an appeal to the public, to raise £1M towards that cost.