A total of eight Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew plus Coxswain and Lifeboat Medical Adviser were tasked to assist a cliff faller at Orcombe Point on the evening of Saturday 16 June.

Following communication from Brixham coastguards, Deputy Launching Authority Dave Ashman took the decision to launch both the all weather lifeboat Margaret Jean and the inshore lifeboat, George Bearman at 6pm. The weather conditions were windy and the sea was rough.

Aware of the gravity of the situation, volunteer Lifeboat Medical Adviser Dr. Peter Aitken was called to accompany the crew on Margaret Jean. One of the volunteer crew on board George Bearman, James Searle is a professional Paramedic. Also in attendance were the police, ambulance and coastguards.

Volunteer Dave Ashman describes the event;

‘The man was lying close to the water’s edge when we reached the location. He had fallen on a soft part of the cliff face which had broken his fall causing him to slide and roll down towards a gully. When we reached him, he was just cold, wet and muddy.’

The casualty was taken by the volunteer crew to an awaiting ambulance at the marina.

Further media enquiries should be made to the Devon and Cornwall Police Press Office.