RIB CREW SURVIVE STORMY CAPSIZE

RIB CREW SURVIVE STORMY CAPSIZE

Four men had a lucky escape this week when their RIB capsized in force 7 winds at the mouth of the River Exe. Waves were reaching up to 3 metres high when disaster struck and flipped the passengers overboard, only one of whom was wearing a lifejacket.

Fortunately they were spotted by a member of the public who called the coastguard and all four men managed to swim to the overturned boat and cling to the hull whilst awaiting rescue.

The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat had to work to its limits due to the conditions so the all-weather lifeboat was put on standby and the coastguard’s helicopter and rescue team were dispatched. One of the capsized crew had to swim to the lifeboat after which they were taken ashore and checked by an ambulance crew who gave the all clear.

Paul Myers, Brixham Coastguard Watch Officer said, 'The force 7 winds and rough seas on scene meant that it was a difficult rescue for the inshore lifeboat, and so it was inadvisable conditions to take a boat out into for people of any boating capability... We would also recommend that anyone going out on the water in any kind of vessel wear a lifejacket and take appropriate safety equipment.'

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