On Saturday 1 August 2026 an initial tasking for the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI from H.M. Coastguard evolved into three separate incidents. The pagers first sounded at 14:21hrs to assist an 8.5m motorboat with engine failure at Budleigh Salterton.
Exmouth RNLI launched both the charity’s lifeboats. The inshore, D-class, lifeboat launched first, arriving on scene at approximately 2.45pm. As the Shannon lifeboat was launching, shortly after, a second incident was picked up over the radio. A mayday call had gone out after a vessel capsized just off Dawlish Warren and a casualty was reported to be in the water. The R and J Welburn and her volunteer crew were diverted to the capsized vessel but, on arrival, were relieved to find that the casualty was safe and well and had been recovered by one of the many other vessels in the area.
Once the two crews were re-united at Budleigh Salterton, the Exmouth RNLI helm and coxswain fully assessed the situation and decided that, due to the onshore winds, the safest course of action was for the Shannon lifeboat to tow the vessel back to Exmouth Marina.
A few minutes later, the crew of the George Bearman II were diverted again; this time to a vessel in the Exe Estuary which had run aground, causing a female to be injured. The inshore lifeboat crew made best speed to the scene where they assessed the casualty’s injuries and administered casualty care. Working in partnership with Southwest Ambulance service, the Dawlish mobile Coastguard team and the crew of the Exmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat, who had subsequently joined them, the casualty was moved to nearby Starcross Yacht Club where she was handed over to the care of Southwest Ambulance Service.
Both lifeboats were eventually stood down by H.M. Coastguard at 5.30pm.
This was the first tasking for volunteer crew member, Ed, as helm of the inshore lifeboat. Big congratulations to him for a great afternoon’s work.