Exmouth RNLI assist yacht in difficulty on River Exe

At 5.21pm today, Monday 21^st August 2023, the crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to assist a 28 foot yacht with a fouled propeller off Starcross Pier on the River Exe, with one person on board. The launch was authorised by Exmouth RNLI Deputy Launch Authority, Neil Hurlock.

The lifeboat crew launched at 5.33pm and was on scene with the vessel and its occupant a short time later. They assessed the situation and were able to free the yacht from the hazard and restore it and its occupant to a safe condition. The crew then returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station and were back on service a short time later.

The lifeboat was crewed by volunteers Harry Griffin, Jason Luff and David Preece. Other Exmouth RNLI volunteers involved in the assignment were Tractor Driver, Robert Thompson, Head Launcher Mark Sansom, Shore Crew Ed Steele, John Dinsdale and Geoff Mills.

RNLI advice on yacht safety and motorboating can be found here : 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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