Passengers of Ipswich-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have raised £170,000 to buy a new lifeboat for the RNLI.

Ipswich Star: Award for Fred. Olsen cruise lines for best itineries Staff on deck on the Balmoral Picture: PETER MOLNARAward for Fred. Olsen cruise lines for best itineries Staff on deck on the Balmoral Picture: PETER MOLNAR (Image: PETER MOLNAR)

The new Atlantic 85 Rigid Inflatable Boat (RGB) B-913, will be called Pride of Fred Olsen and will be part of the RNLI’s relief lifeboat fleet in Poole, Dorset.

It will be manned by five crew and was fully-funded by donations from Fred. Olsen’s guests on board its ocean fleet - the Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch and the latest addition, Brabant.

Guests also chose the name for the new lifeboat following a competition held across the Fred. Olsen fleet.

A naming ceremony for the boat will take place in Ipswich in the New Year.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has been supporting the charity since the 1960s and in 2010 was presented with the RNLI’s Lifetime Achievement Award.