Shouts 2010

 

Callouts Year to Date: 34        Callouts 2009: 36

Launches Year to Date: 47      Launches 2009: 50

Rescued Year to Date: 27      Rescued 2009: 13

 

10 December 14:27                   Call 34 of 2010                     Person in Distress

Launched Lifeboats = 1  D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 0

At 14:27 Hrs. MRCC Swansea Paged DLA with report of a Distressed Person off Sand Point. Immediate Launch requested and agreed. On assembly at the Boathouse D-696 were made ready and launched at 14:40 hrs.  D-696 proceeded at best speed arriving on scene at 14:45 Hrs. Police assisted the person to safety and D-696 was stood down at 15:05 and returned to station arriving back at 15:20 Hrs. D-696 was re-fuelled, washed down and made "ready for service" at 15:35 Hrs.

 

 

23 November 2010 10:06                   Call 33 of 2010                     Animal in Distress

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 0

 

At 10:06 HMCG Swansea paged to advise a report of a dog having fallen off the cliffs at Sand Point. Launch requested, And D-696 launched. The dog, a large golden Labrador was found with a cut to the head and a broken leg. D-696 was returned to Station with the dog, Ellie, who was then reunited with the owner and checked over by a vet. Crew stood down at 11:20.

 

 

15 November 2010 12:29                   Call 32 of 2010                     2 Persons in Inflatable off Grand Pier

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 2

 

 

At 12:25 MRCC Swansea paged to advise a report of Small Inflatable Dingy with 2 or 3 persons thought to be in difficulties to thw West of the Grand Pier, Weston. D-696 made ready and launched with 3 crew on board, and proceeded at best speed to the reported position. The Casualty was quickly located approx 1.5nm West of the Grand Pier. D696 came alongside the inflatable and quickly established that there were only 2 persons on board, and had only ever been 2 persons on board. Neither were wearing. Both were taken onboard the lifeboat, along with the inflatable, and returned to Knightstone Harbour and given some safety advice. The casualties were handed over to the care of HM Coastguard WSM at 13:25.

 

 

29 October 2010 02:08                   Call 31 of 2010                     Person reported in water

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 1

 

 

Reports received of a person in the water off of the Grand Pier, Weston Bay. Immediate launch requested, both lifeboats launched, and made best speed to the scene. On arrival one female was found in the mud approx 40 meters from the waters edge. The casualty appeared disorientated, Crew members entered the mud and took the casualty to D-696. The lifeboat made its way to the Lifeboat station, to meet awaiting crew with blankets and dry clothing. The casualty was then passed into the care of ambulance personnel. Both boats made ready for service and crew stood down at 04:10.

 

28 October 2010 10:16                   Call 30 of 2010                     Search for Missing Person

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 0

 

At 10:12 MRCC Swansea advised of a report of a missing person in the Brean Down / River Axe / Weston Beach area. Immediate launch requested and agreed. Both lifeboats made ready and launched, and proceeded at best speed to the scene. Area of River Axe, Weston Beach and North Side of Brean Down were searched in coordination with Police Helo Q-199, the missing person was not found. Both lifeboats were returned to station and made ready for service at 12:05.

 

 

20 October 2010 17:15                   Call 29 of 2010                     Person on rocks cut off by tide

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 1

 

At 17:15 MRCC Swansea advised of a report from a member of the public of a person cut off by the tide on the rocks at the Western end of Brean Down. Both lifeboats were launched and proceeded at best speed to the casualties reported location near the Fort at Howe Rocks, Brean Down. The casualty was taken off the rocks, and assessed to ensure no injuries. Casualty was taken to Berrow Beach and transferred into the care of MRCC Coastguard Burnham personnel.

 

 

11 October 2010 11:20                   Call 28 of 2010                     Mayday call from small vessel off Rover Axe

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 2

 

Mayday call received at 11:20 via broken radio signal by LOM and HMRC Swansea. Launch requested and crew paged immediately. Both lifeboats made best speed to the casualty vessel reported location to the north of Brean Down ay Pig Beach, mouth of the River Axe. The casualty was intercepted, having been assited by a local boatman (off duty crewman) who attached a tow rope and kept the casualty away from the rocks onto which they were being blown.  D696 took the casualty in tow away from rocks an on to B769. The casualty vessel was towed to its mooring.

 

 

14 September 2010 11:10                   Call 27 of 2010                     Report of 2 persons in water having fallen off of Grand Pier

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 1

 

MRCC direct paged Crew and LOM with report of 2 contractors having fallen off of the Grand Pier Structure Construction site into the Sea. Immediate Launch requested and agreed. Both lifeboats made ready and launched, proceeding at best speed to the pier. On arrival one male was found in the water and crew member entered the water to assist in recovering him into the D-696. Casualty was disorientated and appeared to be suffering concussion. It was quickly established by the helmsman of B-769 that there was only one casualty in the water, and not two as originally reported. D-696 made its way to the beach alongside the Grand Pier and passed the casualty into the care of awaiting personnel.  

 

 

 

11 September 2010 13:28                   Call 26 of 2010                     Report of Kayaker possibly missing around the Holms

Launched Lifeboats = 0    Rescued Persons = 0

 

MRCC paged to advise of possible missing Kayaker near Steep Holm. Immediate Launch requested and agreed. Crew paged, and B-769 and D-696 were made ready. Whilst proceeding down the slipway, MRCC advised to stand down.

 

 

30 August 2010 04:29                   Call 25 of 2010                     Hoax Call to Vessel in Trouble

Launched Lifeboats = 0    Rescued Persons = 0

 

At 04:29 MRCC Swansea advised that a 999 call had been received from a member of the public stating that he was watching a capsized vessel. The call was received from a call box 0.3 miles away from the sea front. LOM spoke with MRCC Swansea to confirm the location of the informant/call placed, and confirmed it is not possible to see the Grand Pier let alone the Sea Front from the location of the call box. It was also confirmed that the Tideline would be at least half a mile out past the Grand Pier at the time of calling, since it was low tide. Agreed that this was a Hoax Call, and crew ready stood down.

 

 

05 August 2010 16:05                   Call 24 of 2010                     Grounded Sailing Dingy

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 3

  

Following earlier call, HM Coastguard Swansea contacted the Boathouse to advise of several sailing dingys in difficulty off of Clevedon. Launch to investigate requested and agreed, both lifeboats proceeding at best speed to Clevedon Bay. Upon arrival lifeboat B769 established that all persons were now ashore, and only 1 dingy remained on the rocks North of Clevedon Pier. Discussion with Clevedon Sailing Club (CSC) safety boats established that there was no real access to the dingy from land, so a crewman was dropped ashore to remove the sail and ready the dingy for tow. A crewman from Portishead Rescue Boat was also placed ashore in order to assist. D-696 towwed the dingy clear of the rocks, and was placed across the beams of B-769. It was then transported to Clevedon slipway and handed over to members of the CSC.  

  

 

05 August 2010 14:27                   Call 23 of 2010                     Surfer with Dislocated Shoulder

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 0

 

HM Coastguard Swansea requested launch to investigate a windsurfer in possible difficulties in Weston Bay. D696 was launched and proceeded at best speed. Lifeboat was stood down following advice that the casualty was safely ashore and in the care of ambulance personnel.   

 

  

 

30 July 2010 16:24                   Call 22 of 2010                     Persons in Mud Near Black Rock

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0

 

 

Immediate launch requested following a report from MRCC Swansea of 4 persons in the mud near Black Rock. Lifeboat D-696 was launched and proceeded at best speed to the scene. The Avon Fire and Rescue Hovercraft was on scene, took the casualties on board and transported them ashore to awaiting Coastguard personnel.

 

 

 

24 July 2010 10:30                   Call 21 of 2010                     Speedboat in difficulties and drifting

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" D-696)   Rescued Persons = 3

 

 

Report of small speedboat in difficulties and drifting near Steep Holm. Both lifeboats launched and proceeded at best speed to the casualty vessel. 3 persons transferred from the vessel to the Atlantic lifeboat B-769, and lifeboat crew member put aboard in order to secure a tow line. The casualty vessel was secured to the lifeboat mooring at 11:20hrs, and the 3 casualties transferred to D-Class B-696 for recovery ashore. With the assistance of the crew during Sunday Voluntary Training Session, the owners recovered the casualty vessel onto a trailer at Knightstone Harbour.  

 

 

14 July 2010 22:57                   Call 20 of 2010                     Search for woman last seen near Royal Sands

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 1

 

 

MRCC requested immediate launch of both lifeboats to search for a person last seen entering the water in the area of Royal Sands on Weston Beach. The D-Class was tasked to search from the Grand Pier down Weston Bay towards Black Rock. The Atlantic went to a point immediately off the beach from where the Coastguard and Police were positioned, in line with their last sighting of the casualty. Before the Atlantic had begun its search the D-Class crew called in that they had located the casualty face down in the water. A D-Class crew member entered the water and was supporting the casualty who was then transferred onto the Atlantic Lifeboat. The helmsman then beached the boat alongside the Police and Coastguard onshore so emergency medical treatment could be administered. The casualty was later handed over to the ambulance service for transfer to hospital.

 

 

10 July 2010 15:12                   Call 19 of 2010                     Report of 2 young people stuck in mud on tideline

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea advised of several young people on the tideline appearing to be in difficulties. D-Class "Anna Stock" was launched and proceeded at best speed to the location, where 12 young people of varying ages were found. Crewman Steve Walker waded to the casualties, and advised of the dangerous conditions in the mud, and that until the water met the sand line on the beach it is advisable to stay out of the water.

 

After accepting the sea safety advice, the members of the public made their way ashore, under the watchful eye of the crew of B-696. Once all casualties were out of danger, the lifeboat and crew returned to station.

 

 

30 June 2010 10:55                   Call 18 of 2010                     Report of vessel in possible distress

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea requested the launch of both lifeboats to investigate reports of a vessel in possible difficulties in Weston Bay. Both lifeboats proceeded at best speed to the vessel which was identified as a small private angling boat with 2 occupants. The occupants confirmed they were quite happy fishing and did not require any assistance. Both lifeboats carried out a thorough search of the area and found nothing untoward. Call categorised as "False Alarm with Good Intent".

 

 

27 June 2010 16:30                   Call 17 of 2010                     Search for missing young person 

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea requested launch to assist the Coastguard in a search along the Weston Bay shoreline for a missing 12 year old female who had not returned to her famnily after heading towards the incoming tide. Both boats were recalled as entering the water, as the casualty had been found safe and well.

 

 

20 June 2010 18:15                   Call 16 of 2010                     Sighting of Semi-Submerged Object in Weston Bay

 

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 )   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

As the Lifeboat Operations Manager was preparing to leave the Lifeboat Station following the previous callout, he noticed an object in the warer 1 nautical mile from the boathouse, and on inspection with binoculars confirmed it to be the bows of a White and Black speedboat fitting the description of the vessel sunk earlier in the day. The Lifeboat Operations Manager considered this to be a hazard, and potential cause of a future call, several of the crew were made ready to launch and recover the object. B-769 was made ready and launched with a brief to investigate. It was deemed feasable to attempt a further recovery of the speedboat by dragging to the surface and bailing out the water before recovering to the station. The speedboat was floated onto the Do-Do carriage and subsequently towed up the Launching Ramp and unloaded outside of the RNLI compound. B-769 was then recovered and made ready for service at 20:20.

 

 

20 June 2010 15:56                   Call 15 of 2010                     Speedboat in difficulties

 

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 3.

 

At 15:56 MRCC Swansea advised of a report of a small speedboat in difficulties in Weston Bay, and requested immediate launch to investigate. D-696 was launched, and proceeded at best speed to the casualty vessel. The 3 occupants of the casualty vessel were transferred into the Lifeboat, and a tow was rigged to the vessel. The casualty vessel was leaking badly, and sank shortly after beginning the tow. The tow line came loose from the casualty vessel, and was recovered onboard the lifeboat. The casualties were recovered to the boathouse, and a search undertaken in the area of the sunken vessel for any items that may have come loose. Nothing waas found, D-696 was returned to the boathouse and made ready for service at 17:35.

 

 

16 June 2010 20:10                   Call 14 of 2010                     Person in distress

 

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 1.

 

Upon leaving the boathouse following a normal training session, Helmsman Paul Giles discovered a distressed woman with significant injuries sitting on a rock outcrop at the entrance to Birnbeck Pier. Paul Giles contacted the lifeboat station landline, and requested the immediate re-launch of both lifeboats to stand off at the cliff base, and also to contact the Police, Ambulance Service and MRCC Swansea to advise of the incident.

 

First Aid was administered to the casualty, who was prevented from causing themselves further harm. Police arrived on scene soon afterwards, and Ambulance Personnel took over from the RNLI Crew. The Casualty was taken by Ambulance to Weston Hospital for further treatment and assessment.

 

Both boats were returned to station, and made ready for service at 21:10. 

 

 

16 June 2010 17:00                   Call 13 of 2010                     Persons in Difficulty in rubber dinghy off Knightstone Harbour

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769)   Rescued Persons = 0.

MRCC Swansea advised of a report of two young persons in a Rubber (plastic) Dinghy in difficulties just off Knightstone Harbour. As B-769 was moving towards the launching slipway, Swansea MRCC advised the Launch Authority that the casualties were now safely ashore at Knightstone. Launch was cancelled, and the lifeboat was recovered to the compound, and made ready for service.  

 

 

9 June 2010 22:17                   Call 12 of 2010                     False Alarm with Good Intent - Report of White Lights near mouth of River Axe

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769)   Rescued Persons = 0.

MRCC Swansea requested launch in order to investigate a report of a white light in the area of the Juicy Bouy at the mouth of the River Axe estuary. B-769 proceeded at best speed and arrived to search the area at 22:27. On Investigation it was found that the reported light was in fact the Juicy Bouy Navigation Marker. 

 

 

31 May 2010 17:34                   Call 11 of 2010                     Recovery of family trapped in mud

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 9.

Both Weston-super-Mare RNLI Lifeboats, plus the RAF helicopter Rescue 169 were called to rescue nine family members trapped by the mud at the entrance to the River Axe. 

 

At 1734 Swansea Coastguard informed Weston Lifeboat Station that nine persons were in difficulties in the mouth of the River Axe. Both lifeboats were launched within minutes of being paged and proceeded to the scene at best speed. The D Class lifeboat "Anna Stock" was first on the scene to find three adults and six children from Birmingham had been trying to cross the River Axe to get to the Brean shore. They had become stuck in the mud and were exhausted and in difficulties.

 

The children, one of whom was only an infant, were suffering greatly from exhaustion so the lifeboat beached itself alongside them and the crew assisted the worst affected casualties on board. Here they were given first aid, including the use of space blankets to warm them up as they were starting to develop hypothermia. The helicopter, Rescue 169, from RAF Chivenor had been summoned and five of the casualties were airlifted to the shore. The other four were picked up by the Atlantic 75 life boat "Coventry and Warwickshire" which ferried them to the shore at Weston Bay Yacht Club.

 

The lifeboats then waited until the tide refloated the "Anna Stock" and they both then proceeded back to their base on Birnbeck Island and readied for service by 1855.

 

RNLI Helmsman Liam McDermott said, "This is the most dangerous part of Weston Bay. It looks simple to cross but is impossible. If you are a local person and see anyone trying to cross here make sure you warn them of the dangers and call the emergency services if they get into difficulties."

 

     

 

Pictured - Left: Crew of D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696, recovery casualties from mud.

Right: Helo Rescue 169 hovering over Lifeboat D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696

 

23 May 2010 22:10                   Call 10 of 2010                     False Alarm - Good intent

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

At 22:10 MRCC Swansea requested immediate launch to assist a sailing vessel aground in difficulties in Sand Bay. D-696 was launched and proceded at best speed, arriving close to the casualty vessel "Trinity" at 22:30. Contact was made with the skipper who confirmed that they were not in any difficulty, and were awaiting the incoming tide before proceeding to Newport, South Wales. D-696 arrived back on station at 22:50.

 

9 May 2010 15:23                   Call 9 of 2010                     Kite Surfer reported in difficulty

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

At 15:23 a report was received from one of the North Somerset Beach Ranger's of a Kite Surfer who appeared to be in difficulties some 200m off of the North Side of Brean Down. As B-769 was already afloat on exercise for the RNLI Storm Force Day, she was diverted to investigate. B-769 arrived on scene at 15:26 and located 2 kite surfers in a small powered tender. It was confirmed that no assistance was required, and all being well B-769 returned to station at 15:45.

 

2 May 2010 11:10                   Call 8 of 2010                     Female Kite Surfer Swept off Beach without Board

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 1.

 

At 1010 the Weston RNLI D Class Lifeboat "Anna Stock" was on exercise near Knightstone Harbour. A member of the public saw a kite surfer in trouble off Brean Down and called the Coastguard.

 

Swansea Coastguard tasked the "Anna Stock" to investigate and they proceeded at best speed. They could see the kite surfer by Black Rock but by the time they reached her she had been dragged further out to sea. On reaching her it was apparent that her harness had become twisted and she could not reach to release herself. She had been dragged under water and when she was bought aboard the lifeboat she was nearly unconscious and having breathing difficulties. The Lifeboat Crew gave her first aid and informed Swansea of her serious condition.

 

The RAF Helicopter from Chivenor, Rescue 169, was about to begin a training exercise near Burnham and so Swansea Coastguard tasked her to collect the casualty from the Anna Stock and take her to Weston General hospital.

 

RNLI Helmsman Nigel Congram said, "The surfer was in trouble. If we had not have been quite close when she got into trouble the outcome could have had more serious consequences."

   

 

1 May 2010 00:04                   Call 7 of 2010                     Report of missing female

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea advised of a report from Police of a missing female in a distressed state. Immediate launch was undertaken by both lifeboats, and a shoreline search of the tideline carried out. At 00:35 MRCC Swansea advised that the missing female had been found in the town centre.   

 

29 April 2010 15:17                   Call 6 of 2010                     Rib aground on Langford Grounds

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 3.

 

MRCC Swansea advised of 18' RIB aground on Langford Grounds, approximately 2 miles from Clevedon. Immediate launch of both lifeboats undertaken, proceeding at best speed to casualty vessel. A crew member was put on board and it was agreed to tow the casualty vessel to Portishead Quays Marina. After giving the casualties suitable safety advice on behalf of the HM Coastguard, crew and lifeboats returned to station at 17:25.

 

 23 April 2010 16:19                   Call 5 of 2010                     Person in Distress

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 1.

 

MRCC Swansea requested assistance to a distressed male believed to be on the River Axe. Both lifeboats launched, and assisted police in recovery of the distressed individual. Returned to station at 17:35.   

 

20 April 2010 17:40                   Call 4 of 2010                     Request to assist sailing cruiser

Launched Lifeboats = 1 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea reported a Sailing Cruiser in difficulties off Redcliff Bay, Portishead. Atlantic 75, Coventry and Warwickshire, B-769 was launched and proceeded towards Portishead. At 18:09 MRCC Swansea advised that the casualty vessel was now underway under its own power, and proceeding to the entrance of the River Avon at Avonmouth. B-769 was stood down and returned to station at 18:20.  

 

22 March 2010 14:00                   Call 3 of 2010                     Recovery of Yacht and Crew

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 3.

 

MRCC Swansea reported a 33' Sailing Cruiser in difficulties just North of Langford Grounds. Both boats were launched, and proceeded at best speed to the scene. Atlantic B-769 put a crew member aboard the casualty vessel to assess the condition of the persons on board. A tow was established, and necessary treatment of the casualties was undertaken by the crew. The casualties were recovered to Birnbeck Island and assessed by an Ambulance crew. Both lifeboats were recovered at 16:30.

 

 

 

 

13 March 2010 19:50                   Call 2 of 2010                     Search following Red Flare

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Anna Stock" B-696)   Rescued Persons = 0.

 

MRCC Swansea requested the launch of both lifebaots following the report of a Red Flare off Marine Lake in Weston Bay. Both boats proceeded at best speed, and commenced a search of the area. The search found nothing, and was accompanied by Helicopter Rescue 169. All stood down at 20:45 and returned to station.

 

13 February 2010 13:35                   Call 1 of 2010                     Kite Surfers in Difficulty

Launched Lifeboats = 2 (Atlantic 75 "Coventry and Warwickshire" B-769 & D-Class "Bobby's Boat" B-700R)   Rescued Persons = 2.

 

On Saturday Weston-super-Mare RNLI lifeboats were launched on their first service of 2010 when two kite surfers were spotted apparently in difficulties off Brean Down.

 

At 13:35 a member of the public reported a possible kite surfer in trouble off the fort at Brean Down. They informed the coastguard who requested the lifeboats be launched. Also because there was a possibility of a person in the water the RAF Helicopter was also requested.

 

The Weston lifeboats, the Atlantic 75 Coventry and Warwickshire and the relief D Class Bobby's Boat, were launched within  a few minutes and arrived to search the area less than ten minutes later. There was no sign of vessels in trouble or bodies off the fort but they sighted an object near the mouth of the River Axe which turned out to be a 10 foot inflatable dinghy. It had two kite surfers on board who had given up surfing because of lack of wind but were unable to get back up the Axe to their mooring because their engine had failed and the current was too strong. The Atlantic 75 and helicopter were stood down and the D Class towed the dinghy back up the river and ensured they were safely landed ashore before leaving the scene and returning to station. The boats were re-fuelled, washed down and ready for service at 16:05 Hrs.

 

RNLI Helmsman Liam McDermott said "The occupants were struggling because of the fierce current so were glad of our help. They were well equipped with lifejackets and protective clothing. The only thing they lacked was an anchor which could have stopped them being carried so easily out to sea. We would always advise that any vessel out at sea has an anchor powerful enough to hold the boat as it is a valuable piece of safety equipment which can save lives."

 

You can read about the 2009 callouts here.