
Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew launch during Storm Darragh to a drifting vessel
At 10.39am this morning Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew were requested to launch by H.M Coastguard to a drifting motor vessel in very challenging conditions.
Prior to launch it was requested that they confirm no persons were onboard the vessel. The Exmouth RNLI relief all-weather lifeboat, 13-32 David & Ruth Arthur, with six volunteer crew onboard, therefore launched into the severe Storm Darragh weather conditions, with sustained wind speeds of 60mph+ (58 knots) and challenging seas.
Upon arriving at the vessel they quickly confirmed that no persons were onboard. The Exmouth Coxswain monitored the vessel’s progress for a period of time before making the assessment that its ongoing movement would present a hazard to navigation and needed to be addressed.
The Coxswain was then able to skilfully manoeuvre the lifeboat alongside the drifting vessel in difficult breaking swell and, after a number of attempts, was able to safely place a crew member onboard.
The lifeboat volunteers then worked together to secure a tow to the vessel and take it under control for a slow tow back to Exmouth Marina, where they were met by volunteer colleagues from the local Coastguard Rescue teams.
Satisfied that the vessel was secured alongside, the cold and wet volunteers returned to the station at 1.10pm to wash down the lifeboat and prepare it for its next service.
Mike Gall, Exmouth RNLI Launch Authority said:
‘A good result in difficult conditions. The RNLI would always urge the need for all boat owners to ensure that the ground and deck tackle on their vessels is suitably robust to deal with forecast weather conditions.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Alison Hogan volunteer lifeboat press officer at Exmouth Lifeboat Station on 07867 904498 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI Picture captions
For the images please credit: Exmouth RNLI.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity has run events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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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