Douglas lifeboat to retire after 29 years

Douglas lifeboat, the Sir William Hillary, will use her slipway for the last time next month after 29 years saving lives at sea.

She's due to retire as the boathouse on South Quay undergoes a renovation and a new Shannon-class vessel arrives to replace her.

The current boat will launch from the RNLI slipway for the final time on Sunday, January 7 at 11am, but will continue to operate from a berth in the outer harbour until a Mersey-class lifeboat takes over during redevelopment work.

The RNLI says the public will have a chance to find out more at an open day to be announced soon.