Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers launch to assist motor cruiser with engine failure

HM Coastguard requested the RNLI to assist at 9:13pm and by 9:20pm the crew of Lyme Regis inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne had launched and were heading for the stricken vessel.

Calm weather at sea meant that the crew were quickly on scene with the casualty vessel, a 6m motor cruiser with two adults and four children on board. Its engine had failed and it was unable to return to harbour.

Volunteer Helm Tim Edwards assessed the situation and decided that the safest course of action was to set up a tow and recover the vessel and its crew to safety in Lyme Regis. Tim said: ‘In view of the failing light and the fact that there were no other vessels in the area, it was quite clear that we needed to tow the vessel to safety.’

Once a tow had been set up Spirit of Loch Fyne and the casualty vessel made their way steadily towards Lyme Regis arriving at 10:09pm. The lifeboat then returned to station where it was refuelled and washed down by volunteer shore crew in preparation for its next service.

This was the 15th service call for Lyme Regis RNL volunteers in 2026, the year in which the lifesaving charity celebrates 200 years in the town.

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Notes to editors

Photo 1 Caption: Lyme Regis Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.