RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew rescue stricken cruiser anchored by pot ropes

The volunteer lifeboat crew (based in Brixham) went to assist the motor vessel (which had twin outdrive engines and two persons on board) after the cruiser picked up pot ropes which then became badly tangled around the propeller 3.5 miles off Berry Head. Unable to free itself, the cruiser was anchored by the snagged line in a 4-6 foot swell.

The lifeboat crew arrived promptly and tried various methods to free the vessel including gently towing the her free (which proved too dangerous) then using a grapnel (or grappling) hook to free the twisted rope; however this proved impossible when the line being used parted due to the weight of the two boats. RNLI Torbay lifeboat Coxswain Mark Criddle said: ‘eventually volunteer lifeboat crewman Nigel Crang put on a dry suit and helmet and, by reaching down towards the snagged propeller from the diving platform on the cruiser, was able to use a knife to gradually cut the vessel free which was an extremely tricky operation in the conditions.’

The Severn Class lifeboat volunteer crew were then able to attach a tow line and safely return the stricken vessel to the mouth of the River Dart, then putting her alongside the lifeboat to continue safely into Darthaven Marina for repairs.

This incident clearly demonstrates how quickly situations at sea can change and the incredibly valuable work down by the RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews.

Notes to editors

Video footage taken during the rescue

Credit: RNLI/Torbay Lifeboat

Photograph shows the 36’ cruiser coming into Darthaven Marina alongside Torbay RNLI all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes

Photo credit: Andy Kyle, Dartmouth

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/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay

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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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