Salcombe RNLI tasked during Storm Ophelia
With Storm Ophelia battering the coast of Devon and Cornwall the RNLI Salcombe all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and its volunteer crew launched to reports of a swimmer in difficulty in the mouth of the river Avon last week (18 October) .
The volunteer crew launched into weather conditions almost identical to those 101 years earlier, when thirteen members of the crew of the lifeboat the William and Emma lost their lives after an abortive mission to assist the schooner Western Lass, wrecked in a storm near Pawle Point.
The tragedy occurred on October 27 1916, when battling against near hurricane force winds the lifeboat crew returned for home, but on attempting to re-cross the Salcombe Bar their lifeboat capsized and 13 of the 15-man crew drowned.
The current Tamar class Salcombe lifeboat, The Baltic Exchange III, is certainly far better equipped to deal with sea conditions such as those it faced this past week. However, the skills, commitment and bravery of the crews remains as dedicated as it was in 1916.
After a short search of the area the crew were stood down following confirmation from the Coastguard there was no persons in the water but the call had been made with good intent.
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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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 180 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 140,000 lives.
A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland
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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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.