Teignmouth Lifeboat responds to vessel in distress during joint exercise with RNLI Exmouth.

A routine training exercise between Teignmouth and Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crews turned into a real time rescue on Wednesday 30 July, when a local fishing vessel suffered engine failure off Long Quarry Point.

Teignmouth RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was taking part in a joint exercise with Exmouth’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and inshore lifeboat (ILB) when a Pan Pan call was received via VHF radio. The call reported a 24-foot fishing vessel with engine failure. A Pan-Pan call is an international radio distress signal used in aviation and maritime communication to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening but still requires assistance.

Under instruction from Solent Coastguard, Exmouth ALB made best speed to the reported location, arriving swiftly on scene followed by crew onboard Teignmouth Lifeboat . After a thorough assessment, Teignmouth lifeboat established a tow and safely brought the vessel back to its mooring in the Teign Estuary at 8:10pm.

Exmouth’s ALB remained on scene throughout to provide additional support if required.

Once the tow was completed, Teignmouth lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service, with both Exmouth lifeboats also returning to station.

Andy Lilburn, Operations Manager for Teignmouth RNLI said: “This is a perfect example of why we train regularly with our neighbouring flank stations and their volunteer crews. The close coordination between Teignmouth and Exmouth ensured a safe and efficient response, with a positive outcome for all involved.”

The rescue serves as a great reminder to all boat users of the importance of carrying a working VHF radio, lifejackets, and having a means of calling for help.

If you or someone you see is in danger by the coast call 999 and ask for the coastguard.