Exmouth RNLI launch back to back over bank holiday weekend

On Saturday, following the activation of a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Exmouth RNLI’s inshore lifeboat George Bearman II launched within 5 minutes with three crew, followed rapidly by the all-weather lifeboat R & J Welburn and five crew members.

The Coastguard also broadcast a Mayday alert to all nearby vessels requesting any possible assistance. Both lifeboats made their way to the location, along with a passing private motor vessel. The motor vessel arrived at the scene first and pulled the casualty from the water, he was then transferred, via the inshore lifeboat, to the safety to the all-weather lifeboat.

Once the crew were happy that the casualty required no further medical attention, they made their way back to his sailing vessel and deployed a crew member onboard to help get it back under control.

The casualty skipper then felt he was well enough to rejoin his vessel, so accompanied by a crew member and escorted by the lifeboat, everyone made their way back to the River Exe and the boat’s original mooring.

Exmouth RNLI volunteer Deputy Coxswain, Roy Stott said:

‘It was a great outcome for everyone involved, as when a person is in the water things can very quickly deteriorate with tragic consequence.

‘The casualties life was almost certainly saved by the combination of his safety equipment including his Personal Locator Beacon and lifejacket. It gave us an accurate location of where he was, whilst keeping him afloat until help arrived.

‘Also a sincere thanks to the skipper of the motor vessel that responded and pulled the individual from the water. A real one crew effort and a life saved.’

The following day (Sunday 26 May) at approximately 12.40pm, Exmouth’s all-weather lifeboat was launched making best speed to a 17m (55ft) motor vessel that had issued a PanPan call having broken down 26 miles east of Berry Head.

Upon arrival, the volunteer crew assessed the situation and established that the vessel’s automatic fire suppression system had triggered, preventing the engine from operating. Given the challenging weather conditions with 3m swells and the vessel not able to use its engine, there was no way for the family onboard (two adults and three children) to return safely to shore. They were also suffering with sea sickness. So the Coxswain decided that towing to the nearest point of safety was the most appropriate course of action.

It was a lengthy 26m trip back to Torquay at a speed of 4 knots, taking over 5 hours. Upon arrival, the vessel was safely secured alongside and the crew then made the journey back to Exmouth to refuel and prepare the lifeboat again for service. The very tired volunteers finally left the lifeboat station after a gruelling 11 hours from the first page.

Some of the volunteer lifeboat crew who responded to the call on Sunday were taking part in a cricket match at the Exmouth Cricket Club Charity Day. There were still enough volunteers to muster a team to play and heavy showers did not deter them, as they’re well used to being out in poor weather conditions.

All proceeds from the event were being donated to the lifesaving charity. Everyone at Exmouth RNLI thanks Exmouth Cricket Club for arranging the day and to the other cricket teams who joined from Exmouth Cricket Club, Exmouth Rowing Club and Exmouth Rugby Club. It was a family friendly day with live music, bars, food and included free cricket coaching for local children.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Alison Hogan, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07867 904498 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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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.