At 09.44 today (Saturday), H.M. Coastguard requested the launch of the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat after receiving a report of a 27ft yacht that has suffered engine failure whilst entering the River Exe channel.
A passing fishing vessel (Becci of Ladram) had gone to the immediate assistance of the yacht and had secured an initial tow to bring the yacht into the entrance of the river.
At this stage, due to the state of the tide and the draft of the fishing vessel and yacht, further assistance was requested to ensure the yacht could be secured to an appropriate mooring and not put either the crew of the yacht or other river users in jeopardy. The Exmouth RNLI ILB, George Bearman II, was therefore launched at 09.53 and was on scene within 5 minutes.
Having again assessed the situation, the Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew decided that taking over the tow from the Becci of Ladram was the most appropriate course of action. A tow was secured and the volunteer RNLI crew moved the yacht and its two occupants to the closest possible visitor mooring on the River Exe.
The RNLI consider every decision to tow a vessel carefully and will only do so when failing to do it would put others at immediate risk. We remind all private boat owners to ensure that their vessels are appropriately serviced and maintained to minimise the likelihood of mechanical failure.
Our thanks to the skipper and crew of the Becci of Ladram for their prompt assistance.
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