RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew rescue 39 foot vessel drifting in total darkness

The large sailing vessel had suffered engine and transmission failure and problems with spare sails, and was drifting in seas with a two metre swell, some 5 miles south east of the entrance to Dartmouth Harbour.

Seven crew members aboard Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes launched the lifeboat on service and were able to rendezvous with the casualty vessel in the darkness.

Despite the rough sea conditions and 25 knot winds, the volunteer lifeboat crew were able to attach a tow line to the stricken vessel - which had two persons aboard - and tow her to Dartmouth. Once inside the entrance to the Dart the casualty vessel was placed alongside the lifeboat to continue to safe mooring on the Town Pontoon.

The rescue of this sailing vessel is the fourth the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat has carried out in recent weeks, following that of yacht Pelagis, fishing vessel Stronsay Maid and a further large sailing vessel last week (which was also taken in to Dartmouth).

The lifeboat Coxswains, mechanic and volunteer crew remain on duty 24/7 to offer help to those around our coastlines and at sea when the weather takes a turn for the worse, accidents happen or equipment fails.

Notes to editors

Photos show: the sailing vessel being brought in to Dartmouth alongside the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat

Photos courtesy of Andy Kyle Photography, Dartmouth

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.

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.