No rest for RNLI Torbay lifeboat as she diverts to casualty on her way home!
The RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat, Alec & Christina Dykes, has been away in Plymouth for a few weeks undergoing her latest re-fit. She was on passage back to her Brixham base on Friday afternoon when she was diverted to help a vessel in distress.
As she was approaching Mansands (near Berry Head, Brixham) at around 4.30pm on Friday, the crew aboard the lifeboat received a call to assist a 50 foot motor cruiser which had reported fuel problems, resulting in engine failure in the choppy conditions.
The volunteer crew diverted to the scene to rendezvous with the casualty vessel and attach a tow line. Once the vessels arrived at Brixham's Breakwater, the motor cruiser was placed alongside to continue in to the harbour - her skipper later commented that Alec & Christina’s passage from Plymouth had happened at just the right time!
The RNLI Torbay Severn Class lifeboat had been in Plymouth to be fitted with updated communications and navigation equipment; this followed her earlier extensive re-fit (including two new MTU engines) in the Isle of Wight. Whilst she was away, full search and rescue capability was maintained for the Torbay area by relief Severn Class lifeboat Volunteer Spirit, together with Torbay’s D Class inshore lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws.
Once the casualty vessel was safely delivered to Brixham Heritage Pontoon, Alec & Christina crossed to the lifeboat pontoon and moored alongside Volunteer Spirit - ready to welcome almost 480 people aboard the two lifeboats for guided tours during last Sunday’s big Seaside Special event … now that’s what we call multi-tasking!
Welcome home Alec & Christina.
Notes to editors
Video (from link) shows footage of the casualty vessel under tow by the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat, and rounding Brixham Breakwater.
Video courtesy of RNLI/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]
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.
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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.