At 18:21hrs, Exmouth RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, George Bearman II, was launched directly by H.M. Coastguard to reports of two persons in the water near the rocks below Straight Point in Sandy Bay.
The crew of three aboard the D-class lifeboat made best speed to the scene, while Exmouth’s all-weather lifeboat R and J Welburn was placed, at 18:24hrs, on immediate readiness. Due to strong westerly winds and large swells a decision was made, at 18:29hrs, to launch the Shannon-class lifeboat to provide additional support.
Upon arrival at Sandy Bay, the volunteer crews located two casualties—a male and a female—stranded on the rocks below the Ministry of Defence firing range. The pair had managed to climb onto the rocks but were now cut off by the rising tide. One of the casualties was a non-swimmer and understandably distressed.
Challenging sea conditions prevented George Bearman II from reaching the casualties directly. The Coastguard helicopter was also tasked to the incident, arriving on scene shortly after. One RNLI crew member transferred from the inshore lifeboat to the rocks to reassure the casualties. Working in coordination with the Exmouth Coastguard rescue team, it was decided that the helicopter would extract the casualties.
Both individuals were successfully recovered and handed over to the Coastguard rescue team. The RNLI lifeboats then returned to station where they were washed down, refuelled, and made ready for their next tasking.