Simultaneous services for Ilfracombe RNLI lifeboat volunteers

Two members of Bude RNLI lifeboat crew were aboard and volunteered to get into dry suits and swim to
assist the casualties. Ilfracombe RNLI Coxswain Andrew Bengey beached the Mersey class lifeboat and all casualties were recovered over the bow.

The lifeboat was then placed into the slipway at Hartland and the casualties were handed over to
the coastguard.

Coxswain Andrew Bengey said: 'It was an interesting situation to put the Mersey lifeboat into, but the
RNLI training proved that both inshore lifeboat crews and all weather lifeboat crews have transferable
skills.'

Meanwhile back in Ilfracombe the all-weather lifeboat The Barry and Peggy High was paged to assist a 28' fishing vessel with engine failure. The vessel was soon located two miles west of Horseshoe Bouy.

A tow was line was placed aboard and the casualty vessel towed to Watermouth Harbour. The all-weather lifeboat was then recovered and readied for service.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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.