Dart RNLI launch to rescue stranded walkers

The two people, a man and a woman, found themselves trapped by the incoming tide and faced retreating up the cliff or calling for assistance. With the air temperature dropping down to 5 degrees they made the right call.

Dart RNLI B class Norma Ethel Vinall and D class Dudley Jane launched at 6.50pm and reached the casualties in 10 minutes. The volunteer crew decided to veer the D class in towards the beach and pluck the casualties to safety one by one. They were then transferred to the B Class and after being given emergency blankets and lifejackets, were brought back to Dartmouth where they were taken back to the lifeboat station to be checked over by the crew before being returned to their vehicle in Strete.

Rich Eggleton, Dart D-Class helm, said that it was a tricky rescue as the north easterly wind had resulted in quite a big surge onto the beach. The technique of veering the boat onto the shore means putting an anchor down and reversing backwards slowly.

The casualties did absolutely the right thing in calling for help.

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.