Both the Exmouth RNLI Shannon class lifeboat R and J Welburn and D class lifeboat George Bearman were called out to rescue casualties in two separate incidents on the river Exe on Thursday, 25 June.
At 1.30am, inshore lifeboat George Bearman launched to a report of a man stuck in mud, in the water by the Exmouth’s Imperial recreation ground. When the three crew volunteers reached the scene, the casualty had been recovered by his friends and then passed to an ambulance.
Posting on Social Media, Exmouth Coastguard who also attended, said:
“Tasked alongside Exmouth RNLI ILB, to a report of persons in the water off the Imperial Recreation ground, Exmouth.
On our arrival, friends of the casualty had assisted him from the water and were rendering first aid until the Ambulance arrived.
“After being assessed by Ambulance crews, the casualty was taken to RD&E Exeter for further treatment. Alcohol and swimming don’t mix!”
At 1.42pm, all-weather lifeboat R and J Welburn launched to assist a 31’ yacht which had drifted onto sand after engine failure by the Marine camp. Crew volunteers towed the sloop to a berth in Exmouth Marina to safety.
Coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson commented:
“The combination of water jets in the design and the manoeuvrability capabilities of the Shannon class lifeboat means we can use R and J Welburn easily in the river Exe. Because of the size of the vessel, it was deemed that the Shannon could cope better than the D class.”
