Exmouth RNLI volunteers rescue lone fisherman nine miles out at sea

[Coddy]

A mobile phone call to the Coastguard prompted the launch of Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn on Friday 11 December at 2.45pm. A fishing boat from Torquay had suffered mechanical failure and the lone fisherman was unclear of his location.

 

The speed of the Shannon class lifeboat meant that Exmouth RNLI Crew volunteers were on scene, nine miles south east of the lifeboat station within 26 minutes in calm and clear conditions. After a Crew volunteer was put on board to attempt starting the failed engine, the casualty was under tow within 11 minutes towards Torquay.
On arrival at Torquay, the casualty was taken by Marina staff to his berth. R and J Welburn returned to station and was ready for service again at 5.50pm.

Deputy Launching Authority, Rick Newcombe co-ordinated the search from the lifeboat station:

‘During the tow, the Crew volunteer on board demonstrated how to use his on board VHF radio. This would have been a more reliable method to call for help and his location could have been picked up more precisely, making it easier for us to locate him. We strongly recommend this method to call for help as mobile phone coverage is extremely patchy this far out at sea.’

 

 

[Steve S]

All the gear no idea!

[Mike Fox]

I'd like to know more about this incident. Mechanical failure? Ran out of fuel? Lack of skills to match his lack of safety awareness?

 

Definitely a candidate for a free RNLI Advice Aboard session.

 

You can see why the RNLI offers the service, and it's a good idea to think "prevention being better than cure". 

 

Mike

[great white]

Glad that the chap got picked up and is OK

 

But this is why I am a fan of compulsory training prior to being allowed to take a boat out, like they do on the continent. 

 

The boat looks to be well fitted out, but as Steve says "All the gear and no idea"

 

 

This is why our Club is so keen to maintain the ethos of training and safety, using experienced Members to offer advice and lead on to more formal training.

[Coddy]

Perhaps this is a timely reminder to ALL club members that the RNLI provide a free safety service to boat owners.

 

This is a confidential chat, generally over a cup of tea/coffee, on the boat to discuss and advise on safety equipment and how to use it correctly.

 

If anyone is interested contact your local RNLI station.

 

You don't need to have the boat on the water it can be done on a drive or marina so there is no need to live close to the sea.

 

As a club we are lucky that a number of club members are RNLI boat safety advisors so there is a friendly face about.

 

There is no pass or fail just advise

 

If you have had a check previously, how long ago was it?

 

Have you changed boats?

 

Perhaps it is time for another check

 

Dave

[Darvster]

I did arrange for an RNLI boat check twice earlier this year with an email response each time to confirm that someone would be in touch to arrange a date.  Alas, I never received a response to either attempts.  Is there a more direct route to arrange a boat check?

[Mal Thomas]

Glad that the chap got picked up and is OK

 

But this is why I am a fan of compulsory training prior to being allowed to take a boat out, like they do on the continent. 

 

The boat looks to be well fitted out, but as Steve says "All the gear and no idea"

 

 

This is why our Club is so keen to maintain the ethos of training and safety, using experienced Members to offer advice and lead on to more formal training.

Well said Charlie, hopefully we keep people informed.