On New Years Eve Exmouth RNLI volunteers were tasked to a report of persons stranded by the tide at Orcombe Point, Exmouth.
At 2.33pm today Friday 31 December 2021, the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II and all weather lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to conduct a shoreline search in the area of Orcombe Point, Exmouth. This followed a report of two adults, a child and a dog cut off by the tide. An Exmouth H.M. Coastguard Rescue Team assisted in the assignment.
The charity’s inshore lifeboat, commanded by Helm, David Preece, and volunteer crew Geoff Mills and Henry Mock launched at 2.40pm and immediately commenced a search. At 2.54pm they located all casualties onshore and promptly assessed their condition.
The RNLI all weather lifeboat launched at 2.58pm, crewed by Second Coxswain Scott Ranft and crew volunteers Mark Sansom, Harry Griffin, Dougie Wright, Ed Steele and Charles Swales, and made its way to the scene.
Shortly after 3.15pm the inshore lifeboat assisted in transferring the casualties to the larger all weather vessel, together with black Labrador ‘Rufus’, and they were taken to the safety of Exmouth Marina. None were injured or required medical attention, and ‘Rufus’ seemingly enjoyed his excursion on the lifeboat and was none the worse for his experience.
On completion of the rescue both of the charity’s lifeboats were back on service by 4pm.
Tide times and heights vary considerably throughout the month and can be unpredictable. RNLI advice regarding tidal safety can be found here.