Torbay lifeboat diverts to emergency during severe weather exercise
RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat volunteer crew were mid-way through two rough weather exercises off Berry Head this morning (7 January) when a genuine emergency call came in.
The skipper of ocean-going trawler Holly Ann radioed for help having lost steering whilst out in the Bay and trying to make way to harbour.
The crew of all-weather relief lifeboat Volunteer Spirit with Mark Criddle at the helm immediately diverted from their rough water training exercise around a mile off Berry Head to attend the incident.
Within minutes the all-weather lifeboat arrived alongside Holly Ann, and attached a line as a precaution. The trawler still had power and was able to proceed cautiously to safe mooring in Brixham harbour escorted by the lifeboat.
Once Holly Ann was safely moored, the all-weather boat dropped off the first volunteer crew at the boathouse and boarded a second crew who then resumed rough water training out in the Bay, with sea conditions worsening to northeasterly gale force 8, gusting to 10.
Rough weather training with the volunteer crew, led by the expert Coxswains of Torbay lifeboat, is absolutely vital to ensure all crew men and women are well prepared for any shout which may come in during extreme weather and familiar with handling the Severn Class lifeboat and her equipment during such conditions.
Notes to editors
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
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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 alternatively RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789.
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