RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew tasked to persons in water during Red Alert blizzard
Just after 12.30pm on Thursday 1 March – and during severe weather brought by Storm Emma - the all-weather volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to reports of persons in the water off Princess Pier, Torquay.
Despite driving blizzard conditions and thick lying snow (subject to a Met Office Red Alert) the volunteer lifeboat crew arrived at the boathouse and were able to launch relief lifeboat Volunteer Spirit* within a few minutes, crossing the Bay and arriving promptly on scene after a member of the public reported concerns about a group of people spotted in the sea during the very challenging conditions.
On arrrival, the volunteer lifeboat crew made a search of the area and quickly located a group of surfers and paddle-boarders. On speaking with them, it was clear that no-one was in any difficulty and this was a false alarm with good intent, possibly due to the onlookers’ vision being obscured by driving snow.
RNLI Torbay lifeboat Coxswain Mark Criddle said ‘thankfully no-one needed rescue this afternoon, but we would remind people to inform the local Coastguard if they plan to take part in coastal activities during challenging weather so that – should reports be received – the Coastguard have good information about any activities taking place’.
The Severn Class lifeboat crew returned to station at around 1.20pm to refuel, make the lifeboat ready for service and enjoy a well-earned hot cuppa!
Notes to editors
*Volunteer Spirit currently remains the RNLI Torbay operational all-weather lifeboat until the station’s own newly-returned vessel Alec & Christina Dykes is commissioned.
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.
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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