Exmouth RNLI lifeboat launches to a vessel on fire on the River Exe

The Exmouth relief All Weather lifeboat, 13-32 Ruth & David Arthur, with six volunteer crew onboard, launched shortly after and headed to Exmouth Marina to pick up members of the Exmouth Fire service and their equipment, supported by the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue team.

Having onboarded the firefighters, the volunteer crew quickly arrived on scene with the vessel, which was already well ablaze, and the onboard fire crew proceeded to control the remaining elements of the fire. Luckily there were no persons onboard at the time of the incident.

Other vessels, including Simon Turl Moorings, were also providing assistance and attempted to control the fire, but the vessel was sadly already too ablaze to prevent its destruction.

When the fire had been put out, Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew assisted with placing members of the fire service onto the Exmouth Harbour Masters vessel to secure it under tow and move it to a safe mooring location on the river.

Although it is a relief that that no one was injured, it was a very sad day on the river with such a historic vessel being destroyed and the subsequent impacts to this family business.

The incident was safely concluded at 16.10 and Exmouth RNLI crew then returned the fire crew to Exmouth Marina before they stood down in preparation for the next shout. A very positive multi-agency response to a challenging incident.

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Alison Hogan volunteer lifeboat press officer at Exmouth Lifeboat Station on 07867 904498 or [email protected]

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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 200^th 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.

Images: Exmouth RNLI