RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat on second night-time mercy mission in 3 days!
The volunteer crew of Torbay all-weather lifeboat were tasked by Solent Coastguard at around 10.20pm on Tuesday evening, 16 October to assist a commercial fishing vessel in trouble almost 30 miles offshore.
The 15 metre vessel Charles Edward had suffered a fouled propeller 28 miles east of Berry Head, and was unable to proceed. Sea swell was an uncomfortable 2 metres, although thankfully the wind had dropped since the start of the week.
Lifeboat Coxswain Mark Criddle OBE and mechanic Ash McInally were joined by volunteer crew members on board Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes, and launched the lifeboat on service in total darkness for the second time this week (following the rescue of a 39 foot sailing vessel towed into Dartmouth on Sunday evening).
Once arriving on scene, the lifeboat crew were able to locate the Charles Edward and rendezvous with the skipper and crewman aboard to carefully attach a tow line, meaning the two vessels were then able to proceed steadily back towards Brixham Harbour. As the incident occurred some distance offshore, the all-weather lifeboat (which must maintain a lower speed when towing another vessel) was back on station and ready for service again just before 5am on Wednesday morning.
The RNLI Torbay lifeboats (Severn Class Alec & Christina Dykes and D Class inshore lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws) have had a busy few days, with no less than eight taskings between them already since 1 October!
Notes to editors
Photos (grainy night-time shots) show: Charles Edward being brought in alongside the RNLI Torbay all-weather lifeboat, taken from deck of all-weather lifeboat
Photos courtesy of 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.