Southampton Independent Lifeboat service's new Kontra R450CC lifeboat — The newly formed Southampton Independent Lifeboat service has received its first ever vessel. Picture: Specialist Small Craft Ltd.

Newly formed lifeboat service receives very first vessel from Wiltshire business

Jamie JonesAugust 11, 20260 Comment0

THE newly formed Southampton Independent Lifeboat service has received its first ever vessel thanks to a Wiltshire business.

Maritime firm Specialist Small Craft Ltd, based in Amesbury, delivered a purpose-built Kontra rapid-response boat, designed to launch within ten minutes and to pass under low bridges.

The arrival of the new Kontra R450CC marks a major operational milestone for the lifeboat service, ensuring volunteer responders are equipped with a robust, unsinkable platform as they work toward full operational readiness.

Stationed directly under the Itchen Bridge the volunteer crew will provide crucial cover across the upper Southampton Water area.

Managing Director at Specialist Small Craft Ltd, Mark Pullinger, said the boat will be used for urban search and rescue on Southampton Water.

Describing the craft’s capabilities, Mr Pullinger said: “Unlike inflatable lifeboats, the Kontra is produced from tough polyethylene, and able to cope with unseen underwater objects without risk of puncture. These boats have a proven pedigree and were used extensively across Europe during Storm Boris in 2024.”

Specialist Small Craft Ltd supplies bespoke vessels based on the versatile Kontra range of multi-purpose craft which are impact-resistant and low-maintenance, with multi-chamber buoyancy.

The boats are used across the UK for a wide variety of professional, utility, and commercial applications including emergency services and flood rescue operations, commercial dive services, and as durable safety craft for sailing clubs.