Plymouth RNLI volunteer crews tackle multiple maritime emergencies over bank holiday weekend
Busy weekend as Plymouth RNLI volunteers respond to numerous incidents on the water
Plymouth RNLI volunteers experienced a surge in activity over the bank holiday weekend, launching 10 times in response to various maritime emergencies.
The incidents, which took place from Thursday 21st May to Monday 25th May, involved grounded yachts, machinery failures, medical emergencies, and people in distress on the water.
On Thursday last week, Plymouth RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Annabel E Jones launched at 8:38pm after reports of a sinking fishing vessel with two individuals in the water. A pilot boat initially retrieved the casualties, who were then assessed by RNLI volunteers aboard the lifeboat. They were safely transported ashore by an MOD Police launch.
Heading into the weekend, on Saturday, Plymouth RNLI’s Severn Class all-weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover diverted from training to assist a troubled speedboat near Mayflower Marina. The lifeboat accompanied the vessel, which held three people, back to safety at Richmond Walk.
Early on Sunday evening, the inshore lifeboat addressed a 30ft yacht aground on rocks near Wembury Point. The yacht was later refloated by both lifeboats as the tide rose. Subsequent tasks included aiding a broken-down inflatable boat in Whitsand Bay and escorting the yacht back to Yacht Haven Marina.
A medical emergency aboard a yacht yesterday afternoon (Monday), in Cawsand Bay saw the inshore lifeboat launch to transport trained crew and the casualty to Millbay Marina, where an ambulance awaited. The all-weather lifeboat later towed a yacht with engine issues near the Great Mewstone, followed by towing another vessel near Rame Head.
As night approached, the inshore lifeboat responded to paddleboarders near Blackstone Rocks, who were found safe. Duty continued with an additional launch at 10:18pm to assist local police and emergency services.
Nigel Gray, Plymouth RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “This has been a particularly busy few days for our volunteer crews, with incidents ranging from machinery breakdowns and grounded yachts to medical emergencies and people reported in difficulty in the water. We’d encourage anyone heading onto the water to make sure their vessel is well prepared, carry suitable safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.
“Our volunteer crew make themselves available 24/7 so we can launch whenever we’re requested. My thanks go to our crew for their commitment, and to their families and employers for the continued support that makes this possible.”