RNLI Torbay lifeboats attend collision between vessels during Brixham Regatta

The inshore lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard following a Mayday message received at around 4.15pm on Sunday 28 May during the Heritage Regatta event which forms part of the bank holiday weekend Brixfest celebrations. Two vessels taking part - Ivory Gull and Moya - had collided, resulting in a serious injury to one casualty aboard the Ivory Gull. The incident took place 1.5 miles out in Torbay, and HM Coastguard teams were also in attendance, along with Devon Ambulance Service.

Due to the serious nature of this incident, the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat self-launched to ensure all assistance required was on scene for the casualties (3 persons aboard the Ivory Gull, 2 persons aboard Moya). Two volunteer lifeboat crew members (one from each lifeboat) went aboard the Ivory Gull to assist as the inshore lifeboat accompanied her into Brixham’s lifeboat pontoon. The casualty - who had sustained a serious leg injury - was then transferred to the waiting air ambulance which had landed on Breakwater Beach, and flown to hospital.

In the meantime, the all-weather lifeboat went to assist the second casualty vessel Moya still in the bay following this incident. That vessel was also escorted into Brixham with a lifeboat crew member aboard, and moored alongside the lifeboat pontoon. The casualties were treated for shock when on shore by staff from land ambulances in attendance.

The incident took place during the busy Brixfest celebrations in the port, which see various events taking place over the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend.

Notes to editors

Photographs show:

Devon Air Ambulance on scene (RNLI/Victoria Bowen)

Land Ambulances on scene (RNLI/Victoria Bowen)

One of the two casualty vessels Moya (RNLI/Richard Fowler)

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

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

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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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