The RNLI insists it will get a new lifeboat into service after it has spent nine months in mothballs in a Suffolk marina.

Back in September hundreds of people lined the pier at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's RNLI lifeboat station to welcome the arrival of the RNLI's new lifeboat - a Shannon Class RNLB 13-44 named George and Frances Phelon.

Back in September last year, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's RNLI station welcomes the new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’. Picture: Mick HoweBack in September last year, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's RNLI station welcomed the new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’. Picture: Mick Howe (Image: Mick Howes)

The organisation’s first ever legacy lifeboat - the George and Frances Phelon, which was named after the late couple who funded its construction - was unveiled during a ceremony in Dorset in April 2022.

But now, more than two years on from being named, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston's new £2.5m lifeboat has still not been used for life-saving missions.

The new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’ arriving in September last year. Picture: Mike PageThe new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’ arriving in September last year. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

Despite being delivered nine months ago the vessel has not yet entered operational service because its berth facilities are unsuitable.

The The new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’. Picture: Mick HowesThe arrival of the new 13-44 Shannon Class lifeboat 'George and Frances Phelon’ back in September last year. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Instead it has been based at a marina in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft - some seven miles away - since April as the RNLI works to create a safe mooring.

Last month the RNLI said the delay to entering service was caused by the need to upgrade mooring facilities in the area.

At the time, a spokesman said: "The RNLI continues to work closely with Peel Ports and the local council to find a solution on the best location to keep the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Shannon class lifeboat."

This week, the RNLI said in a fresh statement that it was in talks to acquire a new berth in the River Yare to "provide a safe and suitable home for the lifeboat and our volunteer crew".

The charity said in the statement: "The RNLI can confirm that it remains committed to ensuring that the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat George and Frances Phelon can go on service at the station as soon as possible.

"Negotiations remain under way to acquire an alternative berth for the Shannon class lifeboat to provide a safe and suitable home for the lifeboat and our volunteer crew."