London Search and Rescue (LONSAR) have taken delivery of a 500R (Pro) Whaly boat for their waterway operations across the city. Fully rigged with a Tohatsu MFS60A, the bright orange boat offers spritely performance along with quiet power at patrolling speeds.
Water Search teams operate in and around aquatic environments, supporting emergency services with incidents and preventative work near rivers, lakes, and canals. The boat will be stationed at either Kingston Police station or Kingston Fire and Rescue as LONSAR patrol the Thames between Teddington and Molesey Locks.
"Bringing someone back to their loved ones is a massive achievement. There's nothing like it in the world."
Steve McGowan, Search Manager and Founding Member, LONSAR
Available in many colours - including Dutch Orange often specified by safety teams - the 500R (Pro) is Whaly's second biggest model. Measuring 5m, it was the longest until the very recent launch of the 620. The sturdy drop down bow can be deployed in motion, enhancing access directly from the water, and supports the weight of a standing person.
Made from tough HDPE (plastic/polyethylene), the boat's rotomoulded structure makes it robust, stable, resilient and speedy when needed. The 500 range (500, 500R, 500R80) is ideal for rivers, canals and lakes where rescue missions are challenged by shallow and deep fast-moving water, awkward spaces, vegetation, sharp objects and currents. A Whaly bounces off hazards, will almost never need repairing and is easily maintained with a hose down.
LONSAR's bespoke build designed by Lindon Lewis Marine includes console with steering, side rails, light bar with navigation lights and flood lights, seats with grab handles, wheel spinner for precision maneuverability and Tohatsu engine with electronic fuel injection, remote control, and power trim & tilt. The Whaly 500R (Pro) is rated for up to 60hp and seat boxes double up as waterproof storage space for rescue equipment.
Whaly 500R (Pro) spec:
- Length 4.99m
- Width 2.1m
- Height 1.01m
- Stern Height 0.52m
- Weight 450kg
- Max persons 10 (CE CAT C)
- Max. outboard 60HP
- Shaft length: Long
A popular choice for rescue organisations, water engineering contractors and security services, the 500 range offers impressive load carrying capability and a flexible layout, perfect as a work boat, patrol boat and for utility transport.
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. In London, that translates to over 50,000 people each year, with over 5,000 being the most vulnerable in our communities. From parks and towpaths to woodlands and city streets, LONSAR volunteers operate across London’s most complex terrain. With training in land search, water rescue, and drone operations, they support the emergency services with skill, care, and coordination during time-critical missing person incidents.
We wish LONSAR all the best with their new safety boat.
Supporting Search and Rescue in the south east
Lindon Lewis Marine based in Shepperton, Surrey, is proud to also support Surrey SAR with regular oil donations for their outboard engines.
"This sponsorship makes a genuine and tangible difference to our operations, enabling us to maintain our engines to the highest standard. This reliability is critical not only for performance, but for safety, readiness, and our ability to respond effectively whenever we are needed."
Surrey SAR
Lindon Lewis Marine is the number one UK dealer for Whaly boats and has been providing bespoke builds for over 16 years. Discover the full Whaly range here.