Two RNLI volunteers rescued after lifeboat capsizes near Plymouth
A shoreline search for a missing person led to unexpected challenges
Last updated 18th Dec 2025
Two Plymouth RNLI volunteers were rescued after their smaller lifeboat capsized during a shoreline search for a missing person on Monday evening, 15th December.
The incident occurred after the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were launched at the request of HM Coastguard.
While conducting the search, the Y boat, a smaller vessel deployed from the station's Severn class all-weather lifeboat, set out for a closer view of the shoreline.
During the search, the Y boat was overwhelmed by an unusually large set of waves, leading to its capsizing.
Both crew members onboard were thrown into the water but were quickly rescued by the inshore lifeboat thanks to their RNLI training.
One of the crew members was taken to a local hospital for a check-up and was discharged shortly after.
The search continued until HM Coastguard stood the lifeboat crews down a short time later.
Due to challenging sea and weather conditions, the Y boat could not initially be recovered. However, it was later returned to the station for assessment and repairs.
Plymouth’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats remain operational.
In a statement Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called around 7.50pm on Monday 15 December following concern for the welfare of a boy reported missing from the Wembury area.
"Officers, working with HM coastguard, conducted an area search for the boy.
"The teenaged boy was located safe in the Plymstock area in the early hours of Tuesday 16 December."