Exmouth RNLI launch both inshore and all-weather lifeboats to casualty yacht
On 5 July 2025 at 4.30pm, Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a disabled yacht reported to be off the mouth of the River Exe. The Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat, D-805 George Bearman II, was swiftly launched with the charity’s relief all-weather lifeboat, 13 40 Eric’s Legend, on standby.
The charity’s volunteer crew aboard the George Bearman II made their way to the casualty vessel which was located just south of Straight Point with three male casualties on board. Sea state was slight to moderate and the Exmouth RNLI crew discovered that the casualties had been unable to restart the engine following its failure. The yacht's crew had continued to attempt a self-rescue by sailing back to their mooring, but with the effects of seasickness hampering their abilities, they deployed their anchor. Unfortunately, their situation worsened when the anchor became snagged and they had to cut it free.
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer D-class crew of three made a full assessment of the situation and requested the launch of the Exmouth RNLI relief all-weather Shannon class lifeboat to execute a tow of the yacht back to its mooring, as the safest way to assist the casualties.
Once the Exmouth RNLI relief all-weather Shannon arrived on scene, one of the crew from the inshore lifeboat transferred to the casualty vessel to handle the tow back to Starcross.
All three vessels made safe passage to Starcross where the yacht and its three crew were delivered safely. The D-class, George Bearman II, and the Shannon, Eric’s Legend, then returned to Exmouth where they were washed down and refuelled, ready for the next tasking. The incident concluded at 6.55pm.
Notes to editors
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Exmouth RNLI is currently using the relief all-weather Shannon lifeboat, 13 40 Eric’s Legend, while its own lifeboat, 13 03 R and J Welburn, is in RNLI Poole for viewing as part of the Launch A Memory campaign
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The relief all-weather, Shannon class lifeboat, 13 40 Eric’s Legend, is also a Launch A Memory lifeboat
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More details about the RNLI’s Launch A Memory campaign can be found at https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/donate-in-memory/launch-a-memory
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Sailing advice resources are available at https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating and https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/enjoy-the-sea-trouble-free
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Photo credits: RNLI/Exmouth RNLI
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact
Dawn Robinson, Exmouth RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07565 424093 or [email protected]
or
Lawrence Booth, Exmouth RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07515 522573 or [email protected]
or
Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or
contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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