Plymouth RNLI launch on service after multiple 999 calls

Following several 999 calls from members of the public, Falmouth Coastguard requested the Inshore Lifeboat (Annabel E Jones) launch on service to locate, assess and assist a sailing vessel that had come adrift from its moorings and run aground in the vicinity of Mount Batten.

The crew arrived on scene to find the sailing vessel had drifted into the Mount Batten water taxi pontoon and run aground. As the crew approached in the high wind and heavy rain the vessel demasted.

Plymouth Coastguard Rescue Team and Cattewater Harbour Patrol tug arrived on scene to assist with securing the vessel. The Inshore Lifeboat stood by to provide safety cover if needed.

After being at sea for over two hours our crew returned to station, fuelled and ready for service.

Our volunteer crew rely on their kit to keep them safe from obstacles and the extreme weather they have to endure when out on a shout. Here are some of the costs to kit out our Inshore Lifeboat crew:

Crew kit costs

• Drysuit for Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) crew member £800

• Thermal suit for ILB crew member £230

• Lifejacket £336

• Helmet £350

• Seagoing gloves £25

Training costs

• Average annual training cost for £1,400 individual crew member

As a charity, we are reliant on voluntary donations to power our lifesaving work.

There are many ways you can give to the RNLI to find out more and to donate, visit RNLI.org/donate.

Activity tips

Sailing and motorboating – wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, ensure everyone onboard knows how to call for help, get appropriate training, and check your engine and fuel before every trip.

Paddleboarding – wear a leash and flotation device, and keep a means of calling for help on you.

Know what to do – visit RNLI.org/safety.

The global health crisis had a huge impact on our charity in 2020. Lockdown restrictions disrupted many of our usual activities, including fundraising, crew training, lifeguard roll out, building new lifeboats and station improvements.

Lifesaving continued throughout, thanks to the selflessness and adaptability of our people.

From crews and lifeguards adjusting to new Covid-19 safe procedures and wearing extra PPE, to staff working from home or being on furlough.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

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.