Ilfracombe RNLI volunteers rescue four from capsized boat

Ilfracombe Lifeboats second coxswain, Carl Perrin, and lifeboat crew member Ben Bengey were on board charter vessel Jay Jay when they noticed a 12-14ft speedboat in difficulties between Widmouth Bay and Watermouth harbour.

They observed the speedboat capsize and four persons went overboard. Carl immediately contacted the coastguard while Jay Jay moved in to rescue the four from the water. Both Ilfracombe lifeboats were launched at 2.55pm.

Carl and Ben were able to bring all four casualties on board Jay Jay. The Ilfracombe all weather lifeboat, The Barry and Peggy High Foundation, met the crew of Jay Jay at Watermouth harbour and transferred the casualties to the lifeboat.

The all weather lifeboat returned the casualties to Ilfracombe where they were met by an ambulance crew. The ambulance crew checked over the casualties and no further treatment was required.

Both lifeboats returned to the station and were ready for service again by 4pm.

Media contact

Howard Thomson
Ilfracombe RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer
e: [email protected] / [email protected]
t: 07808 166473

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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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