RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat launches to yacht drifting onto rocks

The 28’ yacht - with three people on board - had snagged a lobster pot marker and lost power as a result, and with a 3-4’ sea swell in the Bay the vessel was in danger of running onto nearby rocks.

Brightly-coloured passenger ferry Torbay Clipper (operated by local company WeFerry) was in the immediate area and went to the vessel’s assistance, attaching a short line to drag the yacht clear of the rocks and hold her safely until the Torbay all-weather lifeboat volunteer crew arrived to secure and recover the vessel. Another yacht in the area also went to assist, but was not needed.

The RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew arrived quickly and attached a line, enabling them to tow the yacht safely until she was handed over to the Brixham Marina launch for onward return to her berth at Brixham. The three casualties on board remained unharmed during the event, and the lifeboat was stood down and released to return to station at around 4.45pm.

Torbay Clipper recently co-operated with RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat in a simulated rescue exercise, never expecting that just a couple of weeks later they would be able to assist in a real-life drama!

Notes to editors

Attached photographs show:

(1) RNLI Torbay Severn Class all-weather lifeboat ‘Alec & Christina Dykes’ preparing to tow the 28’ yacht to safety (photo credit: RNLI/Richard Fowler)

(2) Torbay Clipper passenger ferry which assisted in the rescue (photo credit: WeFerry)

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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