At 03.22 HM Coastguard requested the launch of our ILB, George Bearman II, to reports of a vessel adrift in the estuary. They also raised the status of our ALB, R and J Welburn, to immediate readiness.
Launching into 20-30 knot south-easterly winds and heavy rain, the Exmouth RNLI inshore D-class lifeboat was on scene within 10 minutes of launch. Our volunteer crew’s priority was to check in on the yacht that had been hit and the welfare of the owner who was on board. Both vessel and owner were found to be well.
At this point, the D-class lifeboat crew requested the launch of Exmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat, R and J Welburn, to help locate the drifting barge as the wet and windy conditions were making the search in the estuary difficult. However, the Shannon lifeboat was stood down before launch when the D-class crew found the barge at around 04.00.
The volunteer crew of three aboard the George Bearman II stood by the unmanned barge, which posed a hazard to navigation and had the potential to collide with other vessels, until it ran safely and securely aground just south of Starcross. Satisfied that the barge was no longer a hazard, the Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew returned to the lifeboat station to dry off and enjoy a nice cuppa!
A great night’s work by the volunteers of Exmouth RNLI. As always, when the pager goes, they are ready to go.