Exmouth RNLI’s volunteer lifesavers were tasked to assist a broken down vessel last night.
At 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th June 2023, H.M. Coastguard tasked the volunteer crews of of both Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn and their relief inshore lifeboat D-792 Marie Theresa Bertha Barrass, to assist a 28ft yacht with engine failure, caught in a flooding tide on the River Exe close to no. 11 buoy.
The lifeboats were both undergoing a training exercise off Dawlish when a Pan-Pan was received from the vessel, with two persons on board. It required urgent assistance as it had lost all engine power and was drifting towards other boats moored on the river.
The inshore lifeboat was first to arrive at the scene, crewed by volunteer lifesavers Helm, James Edge, Harry Griffin and Jake Butt. They assisted in safely securing the yacht and commenced an astern tow.
A short time later the all weather lifeboat, crewed by the charity’s volunteers: Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson, Andy Stott, Guy Munnings, Mark Cockman, Geoff Mills and Charles Swales. They arrived at the location and undertook an alongside tow, escorting the vessel to the safety of Exmouth Marina.
At 7.52pm, satisfied that the vessel and its occupants were safe and secure, both lifeboats stood down from the tasking and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station. No one suffered any injury or required medical attention.
RNLI safety advice regarding boating safety can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating
