Exmouth welcomes home RNLI Launch a Memory lifeboat R and J Welburn

RNLI’s relief lifeboat 13-40 Eric’s Legend left Exmouth marina at 1.15pm to join 13-03 R and J Welburn at sea on the way back to Exmouth. The two launch a memory lifeboats came into view side by side making a spectacular entrance, both lifeboats positioned themselves just off the beach before turning to shore and beaching, first 13-03 R and J Welburn followed by 13-40 Eric’s Legend. For a short while members of the public and volunteers could approach the lifeboats and find their love one’s name, often telling the story behind having their loved one’s name on the lifeboat and what it means to them.

Ian Taylor, Exmouth RNLI's volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: ‘It’s a special day to have our Launch a Memory lifeboat return and have so many people come to the beach to see both our lifeboat, R and J Welburn and Eric’s Legend together carrying so many loved one’s names. The Launch a Memory donations will provide funding for training and equipment to keep being able to save lives at sea.’

The SLAR (Shannon Launch and Recovery) vehicle recovered 13-40 Eric’s Legend and tracked out into the channel and launched the lifeboat, which returned to its mooring in the marina before its journey back to Poole. This was followed by the recovery of 13-03 R and J Welburn, which was returned to the lifeboat station, washed down, re-fueled and made ready for service.

We know many people will be eager to see the lifeboat newly returned to Exmouth and proudly displaying the names of loved ones. There are two ways to visit:

• Drop-in viewing – 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July. Then daily from Saturday 26 July until October. No booking required – enjoy limited access to the boathall, where you can view the lifeboat and find your loved one’s name. An RNLI volunteer will be on hand to help guide your visit and answer any questions.
• VIP station tour experience – limited availability. For a more exclusive and in-depth visit, pre-book our strictly limited VIP guided tour. You'll get full access to the station, a behind-the-scenes look at the RNLI’s lifesaving work, and an up-close view of the lifeboat. Book your VIP tour here

There will be large banners at the lifeboat station of the wheelhouse roof, port and starboard graphics displaying the names making up the ‘RNLI 13-03’.

Exmouth is a busy operational lifeboat station so please be aware that the lifeboat may not be at the lifeboat station when you visit due to operational requirements.

The RNLI’s Launch a Memory campaign offers a lasting tribute to commemorate a loved one or celebrate someone still among us by having their name on an RNLI lifeboat. R and J Welburn, Exmouth’s Shannon-class lifeboat, is the latest Launch a Memory lifeboat. The appeal has raised over £1.08million for the RNLI, which will fund essential equipment and training required for the crews to continue saving lives at sea.

To find the location of a name on the lifeboat, please go to www.launchamemory.rnli.org.uk/exmouth.

Notes to editors

· Exmouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/exmouth-lifeboat-station

· Image attached showing 13-03 R and J Welburn and 13-40 Eric’s Legend side by side on way into Exmouth. Credit Matt Cranfield, Skyflicks Media

· Image attached close up of RNLI graphic on Exmouth’s R and J Welburn showing names. Credit RNLI

· Image attached photograph of wheelhouse, port and starboard banners. Credit RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone

Lawrence Booth, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07515 522573 or [email protected]

or

Dawn Robinson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07565 424093 or [email protected]

or

Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager on 07786 668847or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.