Three launches over busy weekend for Plymouth RNLI volunteers

The first tasking of the weekend came at 10:27am on Saturday 13 March, when Falmouth Coastguard requested the launch of our all-weather Severn class lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover to locate, assess and assist a 14m sailing vessel with two people on board following an engine fire 12 nautical miles south southeast of Fowey.

Fowey RNLI lifeboat was also tasked and proceeded to the location. A Border Force vessel also responded to the request for assistance, along with RFA Tideforce. It was soon confirmed that the vessel had suffered catastrophic engine failure and that any fire had been extinguished.

On arrival, two volunteer crew members were transferred onto the casualty vessel to assess the situation and the condition of the yacht. Following this assessment, a tow line was rigged and the vessel was taken in tow towards the nearest safe haven.

Weather conditions at launch were sunny with excellent visibility and a slight sea. While the vessel was under tow, several heavy showers passed through the area, including a significant hailstorm.

With assistance from Fowey RNLI, the casualty vessel was safely towed into Fowey Harbour. Once the vessel was safely berthed, our volunteer crew were stood down by Falmouth Coastguard.

The second tasking came at 4:24am on Sunday 14 March, when the pagers were activated requesting the launch of Plymouth’s all-weather lifeboat to assist South Western Ambulance Service at Swale Cove, where a person who had been night fishing had fallen on the cliff.

Plymouth and Yealm Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked. When our volunteer crew arrived on scene, Coastguard Rescue Officers had located the casualty and were administering casualty care. Our volunteer crew launched the Y Boat to transfer a casualty care crew member ashore to assist with pain relief.

During the fall the casualty had sustained serious injuries to their foot. As the daylight appeared it was clear to see extraction up the cliff or by sea would be difficult due to the location and the casualty’s injuries. Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924 was requested to winch the casualty off the cliff to the waiting ambulance above for onward transfer to hospital.

At 3:15pm the pagers sounded for the third time of the weekend. Falmouth Coastguard requested the launch of our Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones to assist a small rowing boat with one person on board who was struggling against the wind north of the Tamar Bridge on the River Tamar and at risk of being pushed onto rocks.

Our volunteer crew made best speed to the area, where the casualty was already being assisted by a MOD Police RIB. With no further assistance required our volunteer crew were stood down and returned to station.

Deputy Coxswain Cameron Hicks said: 'It’s been a busy few days, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to launch promptly to these incidents. Thank you to everyone involved across the various agencies during our three taskings this weekend. Our volunteer crew make themselves available 24/7 so we can launch whenever we’re requested. My thanks go to our crew for their commitment, and to their families and employers for the continued support that makes this possible.'

Notes to editors

Photos

• Plymouth all-weather Severn Class lifeboat 'Sybil Mullen Glover' with Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924
  Photo Credit Plymouth CRT / Mark Bond
• Hailstorm passing through
  Photo Credit RNLI / Neil Humphrey
• Plymouth Y Boat deployed to transfer crew member to shore
  Photo Credit RNLI / Cameron Hicks
• Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 924 winching casualty off the rocks
  Photo Credit RNLI / Cameron Hicks

Information

Plymouth is a busy station based in the Old Custom House at Millbay Marina Village. Plymouth RNLI Lifeboat Station has two lifeboats, an all-weather Severn class lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones.

To find out more about Plymouth RNLI Lifeboat Station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/plymouth-lifeboat-station

Plymouth RNLI Facebook page facebook.com/PlymouthRNLI

RNLI media contacts

• Darren Blight, Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station on 07984 399860 or [email protected]
  
• Katie O’Neill, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station 07934 879703 or email [email protected]
• Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]
  
• Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected]
• RNLI Duty Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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.

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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.