At 3.34pm on Sunday 29th October 2023, H.M. Coastguard requested the launch of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II following a report of a yacht with engine failure on the River Exe about 300 metres east of Starcross. The vessel had one person on board.
The charity’s lifeboat launched at 3.46pm and were on scene with the casualty vessel within a few minutes and assessed the situation. The crew of Exmouth RNLI Shannon class all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn stood by near to the scene to assist where able. The weather was wet and windy and the sea state rough.
The volunteers on the inshore lifeboat then towed the yacht to its mooring assisted by a crew member from the all weather lifeboat. Once the yacht was safely secured, the casualty was transferred on to the all weather lifeboat and taken to Exmouth Marina. He was uninjured and required no medical assistance.
Having successfully completed the tasking, the volunteers were stood down by H.M. Coastguard at about 4.50pm and the lifeboats were then made ready for service a short time later.
Comprehensive RNLI safety advice for boat users can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating
