RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew rescue 13 metre yacht without power off Dartmouth

Five crew members aboard Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes launched the lifeboat on service and were with the casualty vessel within twenty minutes.

The lifeboat crew were able to attach a tow line to the casualty vessel - which had two persons on board - and tow her into Dartmouth, placing her alongside the lifeboat to continue to her mooring.

The rescue of the large vessel is the third such mission the lifeboat has carried out in recent weeks, coming hot on the heels (or keels!) of yacht Pelagis and fishing vessel Stronsay Maid.

The RNLI Torbay lifeboats have certainly had a busy few weeks, with many taskings for inshore lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws recently too. RNLI Torbay is the third busiest lifeboat station in the South West (after Weymouth and Plymouth), with Devon the second busiest region in the UK (after Tower in London). With a volunteer crew of 27 and continuous and ongoing training with our RNLI colleagues at neighbouring stations such as Dart, Teignmouth and Salcombe as well as with local Coastguard colleagues, the Torbay team are well placed to help save lives at sea.

Notes to editors

Photos show:

(1) Casualty vessel alongside the lifeboat as she nears Dartmouth Harbour & (2) coming to safe mooring in Dartmouth (photo credits Andy Kyle Photography, Dartmouth)

(3) Tow line attached to the 13 metre vessel from the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat (photo credit RNLI/R Fowler)

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.