RNLI Torbay are called out three times on Mother’s Day
The volunteer crew of both RNLI Torbay Lifeboats were called out to search for two people whose small boat had foundered on rocks at Sharkham Point yesterday (Sunday 31 March). This was the first of two Mother’s Day call-outs for RNLI Torbay and took the number of shouts so far this year to 21.
The RNLI Torbay Inshore (ILB) and All Weather Lifeboats launched at lunchtime yesterday and, after an exhaustive search of the coast, the volunteers found the stricken vessel much further than than had been reported initially at Sharkham Point.
After a tricky approach to the rocks in a challenging Easterly wind, a member of the RNLI Torbay crew was put ashore. After attending to the casualties, the volunteer escorted them up the cliffs and into the care of the Coast Guard.
Yesterday’s RNLI Torbay shouts came hard on the heels of a busy week which saw the volunteers being called out at least once every day, five days in a row. Amongst these incidents was a shout on Friday 29 March to a small open boat with engine failure that was in danger of foundering on Shoalstone Rocks. The RNLI Torbay crew managed to secure a line to the vessel and tow it to the safety of Brixham Harbour.
Mark Criddle, RNLI Torbay Coxwain said, “Its been a busy start to the year for our volunteers with 21 shouts so far compared to the more normal number of 12. Some things never change though, and our dedicated volunteers are always standing by and ready to assist in saving lives at sea.”
Notes to editors
Photo: Torbay Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats returning to the lifeboat station after rescuing two people in distress at Sharkham Point. Photo courtesy of Jon Greatcatch
Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:
- The 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
- Current Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle and the station operates two lifeboats. The Torbay All Weather Lifeboat is a Severn Class Boat named Alec & Christina Dykes. The Inshore Lifeboat is a D class named Leslie & Mary Daws.
- 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
Shona Duncan, RNLI Torbay Acting Lifeboat Press Officer (Volunteer)
07778 002866 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.