Exmouth RNLI assist five metre rigid inflatable boat overwhelmed by waves

The volunteer crew of the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat, R and J Welburn, launched quickly towards Teignmouth, from where the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had departed shortly earlier. The sea conditions were challenging with a moderate westerly wind generating a slight to moderate sea state. The RIB, which was bound for Exmouth with eight people on board, became overwhelmed by the waves and began taking on water. The ingress of water also caused the engine to develop issues.

Arriving on scene, the volunteer Exmouth RNLI crew found the boat’s crew of eight bailing water out of the boat. The casualties were feeling the cold and six of them were not wearing life jackets so, the decision was made by the Exmouth RNLI crew to take them off the RIB and on to the warmth and safety of the Shannon class lifeboat. The remaining two casualties aboard the RIB had, in the meantime, managed to restart the engine and turned back towards their mooring at Teignmouth. The volunteers of Exmouth RNLI followed the RIB back to Teignmouth to ensure their passage was safe and to deliver the six casualties aboard the R and J Welburn safely to shore.

All eight casualties from the rib arrived back in Teignmouth cold, but unharmed.

Exmouth RNLI Coxswain, Andy Stott, said, “Despite the spells of sunshine yesterday, the westerly winds were making conditions on the water quite challenging. The RNLI would always advise checking the weather conditions carefully before setting out into open water. Also, it is important for all water users to wear life jackets as they will keep you afloat if you find yourself in the water. Fortunately, we were able to get to the casualties yesterday before this happened.”

The Exmouth RNLI Shannon-class lifeboat and its volunteer crew of seven returned to the lifeboat station where the boat was washed down and re-fuelled in readiness for the next call.