Photographs © John H. Luxton 2005

West Country Ambulance Service's Ambulance vessel STAR OF LIFE at St. Mary's Harbour. Introduced in late 2003 at a cost of £260,000 this Alnmaritec Wave-Train 1100 Catamaran has a speed of 25 knots. She is designed to move casualties from the off islands to Hugh Town Harbour for onward conveyance to St.Mary's Hospital.

The STAR OF LIFE is also capable of conveying casualties direct to the mainland, should air evacuation not be possible. The vessel is also used as a means of transport for doctors, mid-wives and health visitors when visiting the off islands. When she entered service she was billed as the UK's first purpose built amblulance vessel.