In what was their third rescue this week, Exmouth RNLI lifesavers were tasked this evening to attend a speedboat that was reportedly sinking on the River Exe off Turf Locks.

At 5.18pm today Saturday 13 August 2022, following multiple 999 calls, H.M. Coastguard requested the crew of Exmouth inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to attend the River Exe off Turf Locks where a 22ft speedboat was reportedly in serious difficulty and sinking.

The inshore lifeboat crew launched at 5.23pm and quickly made its way to the vessel that had completely sunk on their arrival. Given the situation they requested the assistance of their sister all weather lifeboat.

Exmouth inshore lifeboat crew rush to assist the sinking boat. Credit: John Thorogood / RNLI

At 5.35pm Exmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn launched and made its way to the location of the incident, described as close to buoy 35 on the river, where they joined their colleagues.

The lifesavers were quickly able to establish that all occupants of the vessel were safely accounted for and set about raising the speedboat that had sunk in a main navigation channel and judged to be a risk to other water users.

At 5.52pm the lifesavers succeeded in re-floating the vessel and the inshore lifeboat began towing it out of the navigation lane and to the safety of Belshers Slipway, Exmouth.

On completion of the tasking both lifeboats were stood down and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where they were back on service shortly afterwards.  

Exmouth RNLI crew who took part in the tasking were :

Deputy Launch Authority : Mike Gall

Inshore Lifeboat : Helm, Harry Griffin. Crew, Ed Thomas and Ed Steele

All Weather Lifeboat : Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson. Crew, Scott Ranft, Tim Barnes, Andy Stott and Roy Stott.

Specific safety advice from the RNLI regarding motorboating can be found here: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating

If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. When you take a craft to sea, always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. Always wear a lifejacket and take a means of calling for help.