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Both Exmouth RNLI lifeboats launch to two separate incidents

Lifeboats News Release

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.

The tender belonging to Windjammer had been recovered by Exmouth Coastguard team and as it had been spotted earlier that day by number 7 buoy in the channel, it was suggested that a search of the area was necessary to check nobody had fallen into the water. After a 15 minute search proved no further sightings, volunteers returned to station and D class lifeboat George Bearman was ready for service again by 2pm.

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 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 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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