Both Exmouth RNLI lifeboats launch to two separate incidents
At 1.08pm on 2 April, Exmouth’s Shannon class lifeboat launched following reports of a motor boat in difficulty south of Budleigh Salterton. Whilst launching, volunteers launched D class lifeboat to search another area after an empty tender was washed up.
Meanwhile, Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn arrived on scene, four miles south of Otter Point, within 19 minutes of launching. The 33 foot motor cruiser had suffered engine failure, causing a steering malfunction and the second engine would not start. The new owner, from Bristol was on passage to Torbay, across Lyme Bay. A tow was established and Exmouth RNLI crew volunteers took him to a berth at Exmouth Marina. Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn was ready again for service at 4pm.
Key facts about the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
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The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland