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Exmouth RNLI lifeboat called to drifting yacht

Lifeboats News Release

Exmouth RNLI volunteers were tasked to a report of a drifting yacht off Exmouth early this morning.

RNLI/Geoff Mills

Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat towing the stray vessel

At 7.45am today Tuesday 15th March 2022, the crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to attend to a report of a drifting yacht. The boat was reported off Exmouth seafront, had apparently slipped its mooring, was out of control and a danger to water users.

The charity’s lifeboat, commanded by Helm, Guy Munnings, and crew Geoff Mills and Ed Thomas, launched at 7.52am and immediately sped to the last known location of the unoccupied vessel.

The volunteer lifesavers located the unoccupied yacht about 2 miles off Exmouth Seafront at 8.04am, took it under tow and safely recovered it to a mooring.

Other Exmouth RNLI volunteers involved in the tasking were Deputy Launch Authority, Barry Catton, and Shore Crew, David Preece, Rory Carrig, Mark Sansom and Charles Swales.

On completion of the assignment, and the crew having satisfied themselves that the yacht was safely secured, the lifeboat returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station and was back on service by 9.21am.

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.

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