Exmouth RNLI volunteers were tasked to a report of a fallen walker off the east Devon coast earlier this evening.
At 6.25pm today Friday 18th March 2022, the crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to attend to a report of a walker fallen from the cliffs between Otter Cove and Budleigh Salterton.
The charity’s lifeboat, commanded by Helm, Henry Mock, and crew Ed Steele and James Edge, launched at 6.34pm and immediately sped to the area described to commence a shoreline search.
At 6.50pm, Exmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn also launched to assist their sister vessel, crewed by Coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson, with crew Guy Munnings, Roy Stott, Roger Jackson, Max Champion and Dougie Wright.
The lifesavers were assisted in the assignment by Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Rescue Teams as a multi agency approach to the emergency.
A further report was received at 6.55pm that a member of the public had heard shouting coming from the cliffs at the eastern side of Straight Point, Exmouth and both lifeboats routed to the scene. The casualty was located soon afterwards having fallen some distance down the cliff and the all weather lifeboat was able to provide flood lighting to assist the recovery.
Rescue personnel from all agencies continued to assess the situation and at 7.18pm a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was summonsed to assist in the rescue of the stranded casualty, arriving on scene at 7.52pm. The crew of the helicopter were able to winch the casualty from the cliff to safety and at 8.11pm both RNLI lifeboats were stood down. The casualty appeared uninjured but was assessed by the Coastguard Rescue team as to the need for precautionary medical attention.
Other Exmouth RNLI volunteers involved in the tasking were Deputy Launch Authority, Rick Newcombe, and Shore Crew, John Dinsdale, James Searle, Nick Wright, Karl Halford and Steve Woodbridge.
Both lifeboats were back on station and ready for service a short time later.
Specific advice from the RNLI regarding coastal walking can be found at this link: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/coastal-walking
