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30 metre fishing vessel runs aground off Berry Head

Lifeboats News Release

Both the RNLI Torbay inshore and all-weather lifeboats were tasked at around 12.20pm on Saturday 14 April to reports of an ocean-going trawler having run aground on rocks off Shoalstone, Brixham (close to the Berry Head Hotel).

RNLI/Nigel Millard

RNLI Torbay all-weather and inshore lifeboats assist the stranded fishing vessel

Volunteer crew members launched both inshore lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws and all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes which quickly arrived on scene. An inshore lifeboat crew member was put aboard the casualty vessel to attach a tow line from the all-weather lifeboat. The vessel was then gently eased off the rocks at around 1.30pm as the tide came in, and escorted safely to her mooring in Brixham Harbour.

The problem was believed to be caused by a steering linkage fault. As the weather was sunny and bright (between episodes of sea fog) many people enjoying food and drinks on the terrace of the Berry Head Hotel observed the whole operation, and sent photographs to the RNLI Torbay social media pages. Professional RNLI photographer Nigel Millard was also part of the lifeboat crew for the shout, and was able to take the photographs attached to this Release.

Both volunteer lifeboat crews were then able to return to station where the two Torbay lifeboats were refuelled and ready for service by around 2.00pm.

Notes to editors

All photographs supplied by Nigel Millard (RNLI).

Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:

RNLI media contacts

Victoria Bowen, RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Press Officer

07794 043 428 or [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer:

01752 854450 or [email protected]

Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer

07786 668 847 or [email protected]

or RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789 (24 hours)

RNLI/Nigel Millard

RNLI Torbay all-weather volunteer lifeboat crew attach a line to the stranded vessel

RNLI/Nigel Millard

The ocean going fishing vessel is gently eased off rocks as the tide comes in

RNLI/Nigel Millard

RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat crew with tow line attached to fishing vessel

RNLI/Nigel Millard

The RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew escort the fishing vessel to Brixham Harbour

RNLI/Nigel Millard

The fishing vessel approaches safe mooring in Brixham Harbour

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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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.