ILB asked for NCI visual assistance in locating any possible distress in water. NCI reported on Ch 00 – no visual seen on optics or CCTV. NCI maintained observation. ILB on the water. Exmouth beach lifeguard also requested NCI assistance to look for person in water. No casualty observed. All services later stood down by HMCG.
Incident – Paddle Boarder in Distress
NCI heard radio comms that Exmouth ILB launched. Phone call from MoP reporting paddle boarder in distress. Call from beach lifeguards requesting visual of possible distress. NCI reported no visual seen. NCI maintained visual observation. NCI heard radio comms of casualty in ambulance.
Incident – Wind Surfer Separated from Sail
Observed wind surfer’s sail separated from board drifting out to sea. HMCG called requesting observation. One person on board paddled safely back to shore. Sail not recovered. HMCG informed of outcome.
Thank You Exmouth RNLI
Exmouth NCI watchkeepers were welcomed by Exmouth RNLI yesterday to go on board “Shannon” 13-03 Exmouth Lifeboat. A very interesting and informative visit was enjoyed by our watchkeepers. In addition, they were able to witness the launching and recovery of “Shannon”. Thank you Exmouth RNLI for your time and Happy 200th Birthday.
Incident – Vessel Adrift
Call to HMCG – small boat, partially submerged, drifting east past NCI lookout. Bearing 190 degrees, approx 250m. Exmouth ILB tasked to recover casualty vessel. Casualty vessel continues at 190 degrees, drifting out to sea, distance now 400m. Radio call on Ch65 from ILB requesting update on vessel position. NCI advised that casualty position at 194 degrees from lookout. Exmouth ILB recovered casualty onto ILB and returned to RNLI Boat house.
Incident – Dinghy Adrift
Call from HMCG. MoP reported small open boat drifting east along seafront. Vessel observed from lookout. Description given to CG. Vessel length 15ft. No POB. NCI maintained observation. Vessel drifted to stationary opposite RNLI Boat house. Exmouth ILB tasked by CG to recover dinghy and make safe. Exmouth ILB reported to Solent CG – casualty vessel recovered to hard ground.
Thank You – Millbrook Village
The Station Manager and members of the watchkeeping team visited Millbrook Village in Exeter to receive a magnificent donation to Exmouth National Coastwatch station. The residents had chosen Exmouth NCI as their charity of the year for 2023 and raised funds through numerous events over the year. Exmouth NCI are an integral part of the national maritime search and rescue services that work with HM Coastguard and the RNLI keeping watch over Exmouth beach, the Exe estuary and Budleigh Salterton coastline 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Station Manager thanked the assembled residents for their exceptional generosity before being presented with a cheque by Mr David Phillips Chair of the Residents Association.
With the agreement of the Millbrook residents engaged in the fundraising, the funds will contribute towards the installation of an additional CCTV camera to cover Sandy Bay, an incident hotspot that is currently unseen by the watchkeepers with existing systems.
Incident – Yacht Aground
HMCG phoned about yacht aground near 12 Buoy. NCI reported it was upright, slight list to port. 2 POB seen using a mobile. No signs of distress. NCI maintained observation. 2 POB taken ashore by ILB. To be retrieved later. ILB on station. HMCG confirmed arrangements in place for ILB to self task between 2000 – 2100 hrs to return crew and recover vessel.
