Teignmouth RNLI training exercise interrupted by two Coastguard taskings

Four Teignmouth RNLI volunteer crew launched aboard Claude and Kath today for a planned training exercise. However, as is often the case, training quickly turned into operational service.

Shortly after launching, the crew received an automated distress alert on VHF Channel 16. At the request of HM Coastguard, the crew were tasked to Torquay Marina, where the source of the activation was initially believed to be.

Many vessels are fitted with emergency distress equipment, such as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) or Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radios. These devices are designed to quickly alert HM Coastguard and nearby vessels if someone is in immediate danger at sea, helping to speed up the search and rescue response when every second counts.

After searching the marina without locating the vessel, updated information directed the crew to Thatchers Rock, where they made contact with the boat. Thankfully, everyone on board was safe and well, and it was confirmed to be an accidental activation. With no further assistance required, the crew resumed their training exercise.

Following the exercise, Claude and Kath returned to station for a planned crew change. During this time, the crew were tasked once again by HM Coastguard to reports of an upturned kayak near Man Sands, with no person visible in the water.

Working alongside the volunteer crew from Torbay RNLI, the Teignmouth crew carried out a shoreline search while Torbay's lifeboat conducted an offshore sector search. On this occasion, no casualty was found. The kayak was recovered by Torbay RNLI and, after completing a thorough search of the area, both lifeboats were stood down.

The crew returned to station, recovered and refuelled Claude and Kath, and prepared her ready for the next service call.

Emergency distress equipment can save lives, but if it is activated accidentally, contact HM Coastguard as soon as possible. Promptly reporting an accidental activation helps prevent unnecessary search and rescue operations, ensuring volunteer crews and emergency resources remain available for genuine emergencies.

For kayakers and paddleboarders, it's also a good idea to clearly label your craft with your name and a contact telephone number. If your kayak is found adrift after becoming separated from you, this information can help HM Coastguard quickly establish whether you're safe, potentially preventing lengthy searches and allowing rescue resources to be directed where they're most needed.

As always, Teignmouth RNLI's volunteer crews remain ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Amy Furlong, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.