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Exmouth RNLI assist yacht in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Exmouth RNLI lifesavers went to the aid of a yacht in trouble off Exmouth last evening.

RNLI/John Thorogood

Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat in action

At 5.20pm yesterday, Tuesday 4 October 2022 the crew of Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to assist the sole occupant of a yacht that had got into difficulty about a mile south of Orcombe Point, Exmouth. The vessel had sustained damage to its rigging and had no working engine.

The volunteer crew launched on service at 5.35pm and were with the casualty vessel a short time later. They assessed the situation and determined that it was unable to make progress. A crew member was placed on board and the yacht taken in tow.

The lifesavers towed the damaged boat to the safety of the River Exe estuary where it was securely moored. No one was injured or required medical attention and at 6.30pm the volunteer lifesavers stood down from the tasking.

Exmouth RNLI crew involved were :

Deputy Launch Authority : Mike Acred

All Weather Lifeboat : Coxswain Scott Ranft. Crew, Andy Stott, Robert Thompson, David Preece, Guy Munnings and James Edge.

Shore Crew : Tractor Driver, Karl Halford. Head Launcher, John Dinsdale and shorecrew, Paul Dean, Steve Woodbridge, Becky Barnett and Ed Steele.

Detailed RNLI safety advice regarding yacht sailing can be found at : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating

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 142,700 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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