Torbay RNLI volunteers rescue kayaker and tow fishing vessel

The all-weather lifeboat was set to sea to a vessel which had suffered engine failure three miles south of Berry Head. A tow was handed over to the lifeboat from a local trawler.

Whilst the all-weather lifeboat was conducting a tow, Torbay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was tasked to a kayaker who was in difficulty in the water south of Berry Head in choppy easterly conditions. The kayaker had raised the alarm with a Mayday call to the Coastguard. The inshore lifeboat located the casualty and retrieved them from the water, and transferred them to the nearby all-weather lifeboat for medical assessment.

The casualty was then airlifted from the lifeboat and taken to hospital. The inshore lifeboat took over the tow of the disabled vessel, so a helicopter transfer could take place.

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

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