Exmouth RNLI called to speedboat in difficulty
Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew members launched their all weather lifeboat today following a 999 call reporting a speedboat with engine problems off Orcombe Point, Exmouth.
At 11.38am today Tuesday 27 April 2021 Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn was launched having been tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a report of a 24ft speedboat suffering from engine failure, out of control and being taken out to sea by a strong tide. Its location was reported as approximately 100 metres south west of Orcombe Point and drifting.
The lifeboat launched at 12:03pm and was commandeered by Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew, Coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson, Andrew Stott, Robert Thompson, James Edge and Ed Steele.
The lifesavers quickly located the casualty vessel, that had three individuals on board, assessed the situation and towed the speedboat back to Exmouth Marina, arriving there at 12:28pm. None of the occupants of the boat were injured or required medical assistance.
Exmouth RNLI Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson said, “This was an unfortunate incident where a speedboat had suffered a serious engine failure in difficult sea conditions. The vessel and its occupants, who all had buoyancy aids, was towed to safety and I was pleased myself and my crew were able to help with this rescue. Our advice to those going to sea in yachts and motorboats is to check your engine, wear a lifejacket, have a means of calling for help, preferably a VHF/DSC radio, and check weather / tide times before embarking.”
The lifeboat then made its way back to its mooring on the Exe Estuary where it was back on service a short time later.
More detailed RNLI safety advice on sailing and boating can be viewed at this link :
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating
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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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