Torbay RNLI lifeboat crew to ‘rescue’ ferry passengers off Brixham

The passenger ferry will be steaming from Paignton to Brixham when the staged incident will occur around 8.45-9am in the region of Elberry Cove, giving the volunteer RNLI Torbay lifeboat and ferry crews invaluable training in dealing with such an emergency.

Richard Fowler, Second Coxswain for Torbay’s RNLI lifeboat, has organised the training event in conjunction with WeFerry company owner/operator John Ford to test the two crews’ reactions to such a scenario.

It is expected that the RNLI all-weather Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes will attend the staged emergency call out, though both crews will be unaware of the full extent and nature of any ‘injuries’ on board. The resulting evacuation of passengers and any multiple first aid requirements will offer an excellent training scenario for both ferry operators WeFerry and the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew. The Marine & Coastguard Agency and Torbay Harbour Authority will also be aware of what is happening.

‘Casualties’ on board the ferry (who will have to be up early on Sunday!) are drawn from staff working for various local Rockfish restaurants and others connected with the local fishing and sailing community, all of whom are keen to help ensure safety at sea.

Notes to editors

Attached photographs show the RNLI all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes and the passenger ferry Torbay Clipper (owned and operated by WeFerry):

https://www.weferry.co.uk/the-paignton-ferry-boats/

Further information and photographs will be released following this exercise

Key Facts about Torbay lifeboat station:

• Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
• Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat - Mark Criddle; Second Coxwain - Richard Fowler
• Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Victoria Bowen, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07794 043 428 - [email protected], or contact Amy Caldwell, RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) on 07920 818 807 - [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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.