The Spirit of Sonny has had its first introduction to the River Ouse in York.
Some of the team have been testing out launch sites, onboard electronic systems and basic boat handling.
Training will continue over the next few weeks with different members of the crew taking part.
The new boat has been provided by the Sunshine Campaign.
On 13th April 2019, Sonny Ferry died in the River Foss, after a night out in the city.
Following two days of searching alongside North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the York Rescue Boat crew eventually located his body near Blue Bridge.
The following week Kate and Steve Ferry, Sonny’s parents, met with some of the team who took part in the search to thank them and pledged to raise £45k for a replacement lifeboat.
The ‘Sunshine Campaign’ was created, and fundraising started in earnest.
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The new lifeboat was built by Highfield and is based on their Patrol 660 hull but with bespoke modifications to give the working platform required during patrols, searches and rescues.
The design will provide better seating for the crew, a working area capable of taking a basket stretcher, improved sonar, radio and electronics suite, greater towing capability and a more reliable and environmentally friendly engine.
All pictures of the boat from York Rescue Boat
