SALCOMBE RNLI have launched twice this week, co-ordinating with the Coastguard helicopter for a collapsed teenager and rescuing the crew of a boat with mechanical failure.

On Sunday, July 3, at 6.30pm, the inshore lifeboat ‘Joan Bate’ was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard, to a four-meter angling vessel that had suffered mechanical failure near Prawle Point. Two people were on board and they were transferred to the lifeboat and the boat was towed back to Salcombe.

The lifeboat, with its three volunteer crew returned to the station at 7.30pm, where the boat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.

On Monday, July 4, at 3.45pm, the all-weather lifeboat ‘The Baltic Exchange III’ launched to reports of a 15-year-old female who had collapsed on board the 24m Sea Cadet vessel ‘Jack Petchey’ off the coast of Bolberry.

Two volunteer crew members were transferred to the vessel to give casualty care. Following initial assessments it was decided to transfer the casualty to the all-weather lifeboat with the intention to take her to Salcombe for medical attention.The Coastguard helicopter 106 was requested and it airlifted the casualty from the all-weather lifeboat, along with her guardian, from the entrance of Salcombe harbour where she was taken to Exeter Hospital.

The all-weather lifeboat with seven crew aboard returned to station at 5.45pm where the boat was refuelled, washed down and made ready for service again.

All of the crew hope that the young lady made a full recovery and wish her well on her future travels aboard the ’Jack Petchey’.

So far this year to date, the lifeboats have launched a total of 18 times, the all-weather lifeboat a total of 10 times and the inshore lifeboat eight times.

For further information regarding Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat Station, please visit our newly designed website www.salcombelifeboat.co.uk or follow them on Facebook: @salcombernli or Twitter: @RNLISalcombe.