RNLI Torbay’s all-weather lifeboat sails to the Isle of Wight
Residents and visitors to Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and surrounding areas may be interested to know that the Bay’s all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes is currently in the Isle of Wight for a refit.
Severn Class relief lifeboat Volunteer Spirit (number 17-27 – the boat built just before Torbay’s own) was collected from Poole on Friday 6 October and brought to the lifeboat pontoon in Brixham by Torbay Coxswain Mark Criddle and volunteer crew Roger Good, Jason Stride, Gary Fletcher and Simon James.
Torbay’s own powerful Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes (number 17-28) then made the crossing to the Isle of Wight in fine weather on Sunday 8 October in the capable hands of Second Coxswain Richard Fowler with crew members Will Bower, Nigel Crang, Julian Blewitt, James Hoare and Ian Barnaby.
17-28 will now undergo a complete refit - expected to take around three and a half months - but the presence of Volunteer Spirit means the Bay’s full SAR (search and rescue) capabilities remain unaffected.
As usual, Torbay is also covered by the D Class inshore (inflatable) lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws which is used for close shoreline searches, to assist the all-weather lifeboat and for other work where the Severn Class would find it difficult to manoeuvre.
The RNLI Torbay lifeboat team welcome Volunteer Spirit to the station, and look forward to Alec & Christina Dykes returning around New Year, and will be posting updates nearer the time via Facebook, Twitter and the media.
Notes to editors
Photographs show Alec & Christina Dykes approaching the Isle of Wight (courtesy of Will Bower) and the two Severn Class all-weather lifeboats side by side on the lifeboat pontoon at Brixham (courtesy Nigel Millard).
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 Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07786 668 847: [email protected] or contact RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789.
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.