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Exmouth RNLI help broken down vessel

Lifeboats News Release

Exmouth RNLI’s volunteer lifesavers were tasked to assist a broken down vessel last night.

RNLI/Geoff Mills

Exmouth Lifeboats escort the vessel to safety.

At 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th June 2023, H.M. Coastguard tasked the volunteer crews of of both Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn and their relief inshore lifeboat D-792 Marie Theresa Bertha Barrass, to assist a 28ft yacht with engine failure, caught in a flooding tide on the River Exe close to no. 11 buoy.

The lifeboats were both undergoing a training exercise off Dawlish when a Pan-Pan was received from the vessel, with two persons on board. It required urgent assistance as it had lost all engine power and was drifting towards other boats moored on the river.

The inshore lifeboat was first to arrive at the scene, crewed by volunteer lifesavers Helm, James Edge, Harry Griffin and Jake Butt. They assisted in safely securing the yacht and commenced an astern tow.

A short time later the all weather lifeboat, crewed by the charity’s volunteers: Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson, Andy Stott, Guy Munnings, Mark Cockman, Geoff Mills and Charles Swales. They arrived at the location and undertook an alongside tow, escorting the vessel to the safety of Exmouth Marina.

At 7.52pm, satisfied that the vessel and its occupants were safe and secure, both lifeboats stood down from the tasking and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station. No one suffered any injury or required medical attention.

RNLI safety advice regarding boating safety can be found here : 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 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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