Lyme Regis RNLI rescue four divers stranded after support boat breakdown

In response to a tasking request from HM Coastguard, the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at 3:36pm to go to the aid of four divers who were stranded on the surface after their accompanying dive boat broke down and was unable to pick them up. By 4:05pm the lifeboat had recovered all four divers despite having an engine problem of its own whilst en route to the scene.

The rescued divers, who were all found to be fit and well, were taken ashore to the safety of Bridport harbour whilst the stricken dive boat was towed in by the Bridport harbour launch.

Volunteer Helm Jon Broome said, ‘This was a relatively straightforward shout in good weather. We recovered four divers who found themselves stranded when their support boat was unable to manoeuvre to pick them up once they surfaced on completion of their dive. We had a slight wobble on our way to the scene when one of our engines stopped. Luckily, we had our station boat mechanic Tom Crabbe on board. He was able to make a temporary repair to get us on our way again with little time lost.’

This was the 14th service call for the volunteers of Lyme Regis RNLI this year.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Photo caption: Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat approaches divers stranded on the surface after their dive boat had broken down. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.