RNLI Torbay lifeboat crews called to ‘emergency rescue’ at Churston Cove …

Overseen by Torbay’s Second Coxswain Richard Fowler, the exercise began with boat handling skills for crew aboard inshore lifeboat Leslie and Mary Daws. Richard (who’s more usually found at the helm of the ‘big boat’ when Coxswain Mark Criddle is off duty) was on board the inshore lifeboat alongside trainee crew members Andrew Medley and Luke Soul.

Trainee Coxswain Adam Fowler was on board the all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes, so assumed overall charge of decision-making for the exercise when the simulated call came in reporting a medical incident at Churston Cove …

The scenario was that a couple had been walking on the rocks when the lady had slipped and fallen, sustaining possible leg and chest injuries; her husband (in a state of panic) had gone for help but then experienced chest pains (raising concerns of a possible heart attack). Adam (as ‘coxswain’ on the all-weather boat) needed to decide how to deploy boats and equipment, lead the evacuation and determine where ‘casualties’ needed to go for treatment.

Two teams were put ashore (one for each casualty) to assess and treat immediate injuries on scene. The casualties were then evacuated from Churston Cove on board the inshore lifeboat, the female to be taken to the boathouse, and the male to a (simulated) waiting land ambulance at Brixham Laboratories.

RNLI Torbay Second Coxswain Richard Fowler said ‘With a north easterly wind blowing at force 5-6, conditions aboard the smaller lifeboat were ‘interesting’ and perfect for practising poor weather boat handling skills’.

Once the ‘casualties’ were safely ashore, there was more work for the trio aboard the inshore lifeboat as they continued rough weather training in the Bay.

The RNLI Torbay volunteer crew give up their free time all year round and in all weathers to practise these scenarios and be prepared to spring into action when the ‘real thing’ happens … helping to save lives at sea and around our coastline.

Notes to editors

Photograph of RNLI Torbay lifeboats on exercise supplied by 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

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)

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.