Salcombe RNLI

02/09/2026

Salcombe ALB was tasked early on Tuesday evening to assess a reported issue with a fishing vessel experiencing gearbox failure south of Bolt Head. On scene, and following a short assessment of the situation, and with the agreement of Brixham Harbour, the decision was made to establish a tow and proceed towards the safety of Brixham.
At a little after 20:30hrs, and just south of Dartmouth, Salcombe ALB was able to safely hand the tow over to Torbay Lifeboat to continue the passage into Brixham.

Salcombe ALB then proceeded to return to station, where it was washed down, refuelled, and made ready for service once again.

01/09/2026

In the early hours of Sunday morning RNLI Salcombe received a request from the Coastguard to assist in a multi services search for two missing crew members from a French Fishing vessel that sank approximately 15nm SW of Eddystone Light. Three members of the five-man crew had been recovered and transferred ashore for medical checks leaving two still to be located. After some eleven hours at sea and having conducted multiple search patterns and with the search efforts suspended the Salcombe lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.

Thoughts are with all the families while their loved ones remain missing. Respect to the volunteer lifeboat crews all around our coast for being there when needed.

25/08/2026

Following a request from HM Coastguard, volunteer lifeboat crews from Dart and Salcombe were tasked, alongside other emergency services, to an incident near Dartmouth yesterday afternoon (Monday 24 August). RNLI lifeguards from Blackpool Sand also provided support.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the casualty’s family and all those involved in the incident.

For more information, please contact Devon and Cornwall Police

21/08/2026

An ‘Open Evening’ with Salcombe RNLI.
Salcombe RNLI welcomed members of the public for a successful Open Day on 20th August 2026, giving visitors the opportunity to meet volunteer crew members and take a closer look at the station's lifeboats.

In excess of 600 visitors enjoyed guided tours of the Lifeboats, the Lifeboat Station, Crew Rooms, Museum, and Gift Shop, gaining a real sense of the work and dedication behind the scenes.

Members from each of the sections that makes up RNLI Salcombe along with members of the RNLI Bantham Lifeguards were on hand throughout the afternoon and evening to answer questions, share stories and provide guided tours of both the station's Tamar class and Atlantic class lifeboats, and provide insight into the experience of sitting in the Coxswain’s seat, using the helmet cameras, and wearing the essential—though heavy—lifejackets.

Crew members were delighted by the enthusiasm and interest shown by visitors, who asked thoughtful questions about the station, the lifeboats and the challenges faced during rescues. Some of the visitors shared their stories and experiences, including some individuals who had previously been assisted by RNLI crews and simply stopped by to say hello and thank the volunteers.

A spokesperson for the station said:
"It was fantastic to welcome so many people to the station for our Open Day. Events like this are a great opportunity to show the public around our lifeboats, explain what we do, and answer questions about our lifesaving service. It's always incredibly rewarding to hear visitors' stories and their connections to lifeboat stations around the country. We were especially pleased to meet people we have helped in the past who came in to say hello.

At the close of the day and everything was ‘put back in its place,’ the crew reflected on the evening’s events, expressing gratitude for both the high turnout and the thoughtful questions posed by visitors.
A special note of thanks must also go to the Salcombe Larks for their amazing music and continued support for RNLI Salcombe, and to the visitors who showed their support and enthusiasm by coming to see all that the lifeboat service has to offer.

RNLI Lifeboats are there 24hrs a day ‘Saving Lives at Sea’.

19/08/2026

A huge thank you to Charlotte and the team at the Old Stable for inviting the Salcombe RNLI crew along for granola bowls, coffee, a sauna and a sea dip.

After a very early start, with the pagers sounding at 0330hrs, it was a much appreciated treat and a fantastic way to recharge.

Thank you for your incredible hospitality and support!

18/08/2026

A busy few days for the crew and fundraising teams at Salcombe RNLI both on and off the water.

Sunday saw the return of the famous Salcombe Gin Beach Touch Rugby at South Sands, in aid of the Salcombe RNLI with this year’s event more popular than ever and set to break fundraising records for a 4th year running thanks to generosity of the public.

The sun came out for a perfect day of sport and fundraising, breaking all records from previous years. We finished the day being hosted by The Harbour Beach Club who put on superb food, Salcombe Brewery bar and DJ set.

Thanks to all the competitors, referees, and most of all our sponsors who generously supported the raffle.

Our event sponsors this year were:
Salcombe Gin, Roseblood, Weaver Green, Harbour Beach Club, Stones Boatyard, Crew Clothing, Ribeye, Soderberg & Partners and Imogen Yeoman (photography).

On the water, our ILB (in-shore lifeboat) crews found themselves responding to numerous calls for help.

Requests included: -

1. The Coast Guard requested help to extract a casualty with an ankle injury at Seacombe Sand. Casualty brought safely to shore for onward transport to hospital.
2. Crew then launched to assist a 26-foot motorboat with 3 adults and 2 children on board. The boat was stuck 0.4 nautical miles east of Start Point.
3. The ILB deployed again for a “welfare check” on a small boat with 3 people (including two divers) near Start Point; those on board were struggling and were assisted to a more sheltered area out of the tide.
4. Coast Guard later requested another welfare check on a 9.8m yacht aground off Mill Bay with two people on board. The vessel was found firmly aground and listing at a 45-degree angle. Ther crews were extracted and brought back to the Lifeboat Station to refresh and recover.

17/08/2026