On Friday 15 August at 3.04pm, the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M. Coastguard following multiple 999 calls from the public with concerns for a vessel drifting off the coast.
The crew aboard the speedboat had been seen waving to attract attention, prompting several calls to be made.
Both the Exmouth RNLI lifeboats - the all-weather Shannon class, R and J Welburn, and the inshore D-class, George Bearman II - were already out on the water as they had attended Beer Regatta earlier in the afternoon and were on their return to the boathouse when the tasking was received.
The launch authority for Exmouth RNLI authorised the Shannon lifeboat to assist the speedboat which had broken down just outside the Exmouth RNLI boathouse. On locating the vessel, the Exmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat's coxswain assessed the situation, and decided that the safest course of action was to tow the speedboat the short distance to Mamhead. Shortly after executing the tow, the crew of the speedboat managed to get the engines going, and they began their journey towards Shelly Beach with the R and J Welburn following behind. However, a second breakdown followed; at which point the Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat took over the tow, being suitable to deliver the broken-down vessel to the shallow waters at Belshers slipway.
On this occasion, the crew of the speedboat were able to attract the attention of the many people enjoying a lovely summer's day on the beach. However, the RNLI would always recommend water users to have access to VHF radio when afloat as it is the most effective means of communication, but failing that, always carry a mobile phone. For more information on motorboat safety on the water, visit :
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