Both Exmouth lifeboats rescue lone sailor on ‘unseaworthy’ yacht
Exmouth RNLI Shannon class and D class lifeboats launched today after a passing tug spotted a lone sailor aboard a 26' yacht in difficulty, two miles south of Exmouth.
Inshore lifeboat launched first at 11.42am to investigate. The casualty vessel had taken on water and suffered engine failure, so Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn also launched at 12 noon.
Crew volunteers put a salvage pump on board the yacht and the Shannon towed the sailor into the river Exe, with the D class lifeboat alongside.
The man was taken to his mooring off Starcross pier and safety advice was given. The casualty was wearing a lifejacket but his VHF radio wasn't connected, meaning the only method of communication he had was a torch to flash SOS.
Helm, Roger Jackson said:
‘We pumped as much water out as we could, but the whole yacht was completely sodden. The casualty wanted to stay on board and fix the leak himself. His wooden yacht was very old and we advised him not to take to the sea in the same condition and without means of communication again.’
Both boats were back at station at 2pm and ready for service at 2.30pm.
Notes to Editors
Photos:
PR030517-1 Shannon class towing casualty with D class lifeboat alongside
PR030517-2 Helm, Roger Jackson investigating problem on board yacht
PR030517-3 Yacht in tow – view from Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn
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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