Exmouth RNLI volunteers rescue man in the water after boat sinks
Inshore lifeboat George Bearman launched at 7pm on 11 October to a man in the water, discovered by off-duty Exmouth Beach Rescue volunteers, as daylight was fading.
The casualty’s small powerboat had been swamped by waves crashing off the sand bar in easterly winds and had started to sink. Crew volunteers recovered the casualty to the D class lifeboat and searched for around 45 minutes in the dark for his submerged vessel. The powerboat was found by torchlight and recovered to the beach for the casualty to collect the following day.
Deputy Launching Authority, Freddie Woodcock commented:
‘It was very lucky that the Beach Rescue Club volunteers were in the right place at the right time and spotted the smoke by chance. Although the casualty was wearing a suitable lifejacket and carrying flares, his personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons failed. We advised regular servicing and consideration of VHF radio to be fitted.’
Notes to Editors
For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, Exmouth RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or email: [email protected].
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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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