Douglas has been left without its lifeboat.

Trent class lifeboat, the Betty Huntbatch, was only delivered in August but last week it left for Fleetwood, where she will undergo maintenance before becoming a back-up vessel in the RNLI’s relief fleet.

The capital’s lifeboat station has not been operational since November last year.

Volunteers have been told by the RNLI that they must reapply for positions within a proposed new station structure.

The RNLI says that a ‘fresh start’ in needed and claims that despite significant investment in training and support, not enough volunteers are fully trained across a range of roles.

But RNLI volunteers say the station has been subject over the past few years to the ‘death of a thousand cuts’.

In a five-page statement, crew members described a pattern of delayed infrastructure investment, ageing lifeboats and ‘reactive’ decision-making.

Engine breakdowns, radar fire and extended periods of repair had left the station without a fully operational lifeboat during some of the busiest periods, they said, including three out of the four last TTs.

The slipway and boathouse, requiring extensive structural repairs, were returned to the government when the lease expired.

Operations at the station have been suspended until another feasibility study takes place - and all operational volunteers are now no longer part of the organisation.

‘Our volunteers have continued to train, qualify as coxswains, mechanics, navigators and crew members despite limited sea time and repeated operational interruptions,’ the crew members said.

‘We have never stopped wanting to serve the people of the Isle of Man.’

The RNLI said it has a set training standard which applies to all lifeboat stations which has to be met to enable the team to work safely and effectively together.

But it said that after 11 months with extra training support, the lifeboat as Douglas has not been able to return to active service.

In a statement, it said: ‘The RNLI remains fully committed to Douglas lifeboat station and wants to rebuild a strong and sustainable team and, as part of this, will be inviting current operational volunteers to reapply for positions within a new station structure.

‘This decision has not been taken lightly but we believe a fresh start is needed before Douglas lifeboat station can return to operational readiness.

‘Since the arrival of the Trent class lifeboat in August 2025, the RNLI has invested significantly in training and support.

‘However, the station has not yet been able to return to active service - it has not been operational since November 2025.

‘A lifeboat can only operate when enough volunteers are fully trained across a range of crew roles, enabling the team to work safely and effectively together.’

The RNLI said it will continue to support volunteers through training and development as work progresses to rebuild the team and restore a sustainable lifesaving service.

It said it is grateful to all Douglas volunteers for their service and dedication.

‘Our focus is to rebuild Douglas Lifeboat Station on strong foundations and return it to operational readiness,’ it added.

The RNLI said it will continue to assess the most appropriate lifeboat provision for Douglas during a six to eight-week period while various feasibility studies take place.

During this period, rescue cover will continue to be provided by neighbouring RNLI lifeboat stations at Peel, Port Erin, Ramsey and Port St Mary.