'Mayday' emergency off Exmouth

Casualties rescued after yacht swamped

Both Exmouth lifeboats helped rescue two people from a stricken yacht off Exmouth on Sunday lunchtime.

Weather conditions were not good at the time, with strong winds and following constant rain over a prolonged period. 

The 23-foot vessel's engine had been swamped by surf and the yacht was rolling in the heavy swell of Lyme Bay, half a mile south of Exmouth seafront at the entrance to the channel.

Exmouth's inshore lifeboat launched at 1.05 p.m. and was with the yacht within three minutes, subsequently calling for assistance from the larger Shannon-class lifeboat. An RNLI volunteer from the inshore vessel boarded the yacht and managed to start its engine, allowing the inshore lifeboat then to tow it into deeper water. A female casualty from the yacht was transferred to the inshore lifeboat and brought back to Exmouth at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile the Shannon-class lifeboat waited for two hours until after low water, then escorted the distressed vessel to a mooring on the River Exe. A man, also described as a casualty, was then transferred to the safety of Exmouth Marina.

Deputy coxswain Roger Jackson says: "Once Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburnwas on the scene, it was clear that it was a game of patience to wait for the tide to rise and not risk us going aground. It was pretty lumpy out there and the Crew demonstrated skills we practice regularly during training."