Exmouth RNLI volunteer lifesavers rescued five individuals cut off by the tide at Lympstone and attended to a broken down boat off Cockwood this evening.

At 8.20pm Thursday 6^th April 2023, H.M. Coastguard tasked the crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to a report of five individuals cut off by the tide on the River Exe at Lympstone.

The launch was authorised by Deputy Launch Authority, Mike Acred at 8.24pm and the lifeboat launched at 8.33pm, crewed by David Preece, Roy Stott and James Edge. They made their way to the location where they commenced a shoreline search.

The RNLI volunteers quickly located the casualties and the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked to assist.  The crew commenced an operation to  transfer the casualties to the safety of Lympstone Sailing Club slipway at 8.52pm where they were met by the Coastguard Rescue Team – the last casualty being safely transferred by 9.16pm.

On completion of the assignment the lifesavers were returning to the lifeboat station when at 9.22pm the crew were further tasked to a report of a broken down boat off Cockwood.

The lifeboat immediately diverted to the scene, located the boat and assessed its condition and the safety of those on board.  The vessel and its occupants were taken under tow to the safety of Cockwood Harbour where at 9.37pm it was safely moored and the lifeboat stood down.   

No one was injured or required medical attention in either incident.

RNLI advice regarding tide times can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides

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