RNLI Torbay inshore lifeboat crew respond to Mayday at Livermead, Torquay

The casualty, who was believed to have been injured whilst water-skiing, could not be recovered into nearby vessels due to the pain resulting from his injury, and (although wearing a wetsuit) was suffering the effects of shock and cold water some 300m offshore near the Livermead House Hotel in Torquay.

As well as the vessel reporting the incident, nearby passenger vessel Western Lady VII was asked to stand by whilst the Torbay RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched. Torquay Harbour Launch also went to assist.

Transferring the casualty into the inshore lifeboat was not straightforward due to the injury sustained, therefore they were made comfortable and escorted carefully to shore at Livermead Beach alongside the inshore lifeboat. The RNLI volunteer crew and Torbay HM Coastguard team were then able to place the casualty onto a stretcher and await South Western Ambulance Service, who transferred the male to hospital for treatment.

The Mayday was the second call out for RNLI Torbay’s inshore volunteer lifeboat crew within 24 hours, as they rescued an injured cliff faller at Paignton the previous day.

Notes to editors

Photograph shows library photo of Torbay inshore lifeboat (credit: D Ham)

Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:

• 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 is Mark Criddle
• Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
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• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay

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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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