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Plymouth RNLI launch to diver sparking multi-agency response

Lifeboats News Release

On Thursday 9 May, Plymouth RNLI launched both of their lifeboats following a Mayday call from a dive vessel one mile south of Plymouth Breakwater requesting assistance with a diver that had surfaced unresponsive.

RNLI/PymouthRNLI

Plymouth RNLI’s volunteer crew of the inshore lifeboat The Annabel E Jones was the first on scene to assess the casualty. Also in attendance were the Devon Air Ambulance, two South West Ambulances, Rescue 924, MOD police launch and a Dutch warship rescue craft which had a doctor on board.

Neil Humphrey, coxswain on the Plymouth all-weather lifeboat said:

‘Both lifeboats launched at 8:18pm following a Mayday call from a dive vessel in the Plymouth area.

‘Multiple emergency services responded and it was our inshore lifeboat who arrived first. Our paramedic on board the inshore lifeboat was assisted by the doctor from the Dutch warship, and they administered casualty care checks before the diver was moved onto the all-weather lifeboat.

‘The all-weather and inshore lifeboats then headed back to the marina where we were met by the land ambulance and Devon Air ambulance who then took the casualty on to Derriford hospital.’

Notes to editors

  • Plymouth RNLI has two active lifeboats the Severn Class Mullen Glover and The B Class inshore lifeboat the Annabel E Jones

  • The lifeboat station address is, Plymouth Lifeboat Station, Old Custom House, Custom House Lane, Plymouth, PL1 3EQ

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact John Baldry volunteer lifeboat press officer at Plymouth Lifeboat Station on 07792 649786 or Archie Connolly, Media Engagement Placement-South West on 07977 468283 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

RNLI at 200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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