09/07/2024
Two launches on Saturday 6th July 24, firstly our All-weather Lifeboat to multiple incidents mid-afternoon, and then our In-shore Lifeboat in the early evening.
At 1:47pm yesterday, Solent Coastguard advised us of a reported two paddleboarders who had gotten into difficulty off Preston Sands. They’d also received reports of three persons in two inflatable kayaks, with one of the kayaks deflating, out of the water and on Thatcher Rock.
In view of the strong offshore winds, the decision was taken to launch the Severn Class All weather Lifeboat (ALB) as the quickest and safest way to manage both incidents. All casualties at the two locations had been spotted by National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Torbay volunteers, who were helpfully providing us with real-time updates, information and direction.
Our volunteer crew assembled at the station and launched at 2:03pm, proceeding initially to Preston Sands, where at 2:15pm, we recovered and brought on board the two paddleboarders, neither of whom were wearing buoyancy aids.
Our ALB crew then immediately made way to Thatcher Rock, arriving at 2:28pm. We launched the on-board ‘Y’ boat and recovered two male adults and one child from off Thatcher Rock. All three were wearing life jackets.
All five casualties were then taken to Torquay Harbour and handed over to waiting Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) at 3:10pm.
Whilst off-loading the casualties in Torquay Harbour, Solent Coastguard requested assistance with a further incident that had been called in, this time an inflatable dinghy in difficulty in the seas and winds off Preston Beach. There were a reported three persons aboard, including two children, none of whom had buoyancy aids.
Our ALB immediately departed Torquay for the location but at 3:20pm, as we were approaching, Solent CG advised us that the dinghy with all three people were safely ashore, and our crew stood down. Our ALB returned to Brixham, re-fueled and was made ready for service by 4:00pm.
Then at 7:10pm a report from member of the public came in via Solent Coastguard, of two persons with an inflatable dinghy in difficulty off Goodrington Beach, with possibly one or both in the water.
Our D-Class In-shore Lifeboat (ILB) launched at 7:21pm and was en-route to the location when Solent CG confirmed both persons were indeed in the water and that the dinghy had deflated and was sinking. ILB on scene at 7:30pm and recovered two males struggling to stay afloat, neither of whom were wearing buoyancy aids.
Both males who were very cold, were taken to Paignton Harbour and transferred to CRT and a waiting ambulance.
ILB returned to station, was re-fueled and made ready for service by 8:10pm.
Photo courtesy of Chris Slack
