RNLI Torbay lifeboat tour interrupted by rescue of injured fisherman

As the lifeboat station siren sounded in Brixham, 10 people aboard the Severn Class all-weather lifeboat were swiftly moved ashore and volunteer lifeboat crew began arriving. The visitors re-joined others touring the boathouse and learning about the inshore lifeboat as the situation unfolded on Saturday 11 November.

The all-weather lifeboat quickly launched, tasked to attend a fisherman injured on board a trawler moored at the port. The lifeboat crew were on scene within minutes and moved the casualty from the ocean-going trawler onto a stretcher for transfer to a land ambulance outside the lifeboat station.

It was a reminder that - even during pre-planned visits - Torbay’s two lifeboats remain fully operational at all times, with the onshore team conducting the tour trained to clear the way at a moment’s notice. Once Saturday’s tasking was complete, the visitors were eventually able to resume their tour with a very realistic view of how the RNLI team swings into action when a ‘shout’ comes in!

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.