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The official page of Salcombe Lifeboat Station.

01/06/2026

20:49 Sunday the end of the day and the end of a busy week for the volunteer crews of the RNLI Salcombe lifeboats, but not quite with a request from the Coastguard received. A mayday call from a yacht experiencing hazardous weather and significant wave activity. The vessel in distress was a 23-foot Westerly sailing yacht carrying two persons en route to Plymouth. The crew had been sailing continuously and encountered severe sea conditions near Bolt Tail, prompting concerns of capsizing due to the yacht's size relative to the turbulent environment.

Upon locating the vessel, it was determined that both individuals aboard were fatigued and unable to effectively steer under power, resulting in a lack of progress amid adverse circumstances. The yacht was subsequently taken under tow and safely escorted into Salcombe Harbour.

29/05/2026

You might see that the station flag is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for Colin "Chopper" Power, a valued former crew member who recently passed away.

Colin and his wife were also landlords of the Shipwrights and generously supported the crew over the years. We remember him fondly—rest in peace, Colin.

28/05/2026

During the May Bank Holiday, Salcombe and the RNLI welcomed back Isabella (11) and Bea (8, two remarkable girls. On their holiday in Salcombe, they continued their tradition of fundraising for the RNLI by decorating shells and creating keyrings. They set up a stall at their front gate to sell these items.

Together, these impressive young ladies raised a fantastic total of £42.25 in just a couple of days.

The Coxswain and Crew extend their heartfelt thanks for the outstanding effort.

27/05/2026

For the second time in less than a week, RNLI Salcombe volunteer crew members participated in comprehensive evaluations of their assigned roles.

• Fran Gifford – successfully qualified as ILB Crew Tier 1
• Lolly Dickens – successfully qualified as ILB Crew Tier 1

Both Fran and Lolly, who demonstrated a strong overall performance, would like to extend their appreciation to all crew members for their commitment to providing thorough support during the evaluation process.

Furthermore, the Salcombe RNLI team would like to recognize the significant contributions of RNLI Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, Sophie Braund, whose assistance was greatly valued.

25/05/2026

Both Salcombe ALB and the Hope Cove lifeboat were deployed by the Coastguard in response to an unidentified Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alert approximately half a mile south of Soar Mill Cove.
Upon arrival at the location, the crews discovered a 5.5-meter motorboat with three persons onboard experiencing engine difficulties. Salcombe ALB established a tow and bringing the vessel safely into Salcombe, where it was subsequently handed over to the Salcombe Harbour Authority.

21/05/2026

Over two days of intensive assessment, members of the RNLI Salcombe volunteer crew underwent comprehensive assessments and achieved the necessary qualifications for their designated roles:

- Chris Kemp qualified as ALB Mechanic.

- Malcolm Church qualified as ALB Mechanic.

- David Whichello qualified as ILB Winch Operator.

Congratulations to all involved for their dedication to enhancing their knowledge and expertise, thereby ensuring the ongoing excellence and future readiness of RNLI Salcombe.

Our thanks to Gary Stanbury, Regional Engineer Assessor, (who usually manages to throw in an unexpected problem) and to the crew members who generously dedicated their time to ensure a complete team was available to support those participating in the passes.

19/05/2026

With three rescue calls in as many days—and four over a span of ten days—the RNLI Salcombe’s volunteer crews are facing a particularly active period, especially with the late May Bank Holiday approaching.

On May 8th at 14:30, the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) responded to a report of someone in the water about two nautical miles southwest of Prawle Point. Working alongside a fisheries protection vessel, the crew successfully recovered the individual and returned to Salcombe.

At 22:25 on May 16th, the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was dispatched following reports of a person who had entered the water at North Sands and was no longer visible. After a brief search and further information from police, the ILB was stood down; the incident was categorized as a false alarm with good intent.

The next day, May 17th, at 17:18—right in the middle of the RNLI Salcombe family preseason barbecue—pagers went off and crews quickly headed to the boathouse. Multiple reports indicated a yachtsman in trouble off Hallsands. The ILB launched within minutes and found that the yacht had simultaneously lost its anchor and fouled its propeller. After confirming there were no injuries, the lifeboat took the vessel under tow to Dartmouth.

On May 18th at 16:15, the Salcombe ILB was called out again after NCI Prawle raised concerns about a solo kayaker near Prawle Point. Once on scene, the crew confirmed that the kayaker was well equipped and comfortable with the conditions, so he was left to continue his journey back to Hallsands.

11/05/2026

At 14:30 on Friday, the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was deployed at the request of the Coastguard following a report of a casualty in the water, located 2nm southwest of Prawle Point. The crew, with support from a fisheries protection vessel, successfully recovered the casualty onto the lifeboat and proceeded back to Salcombe. The RNLI is not able to release additional details concerning this incident at this time.

07/05/2026

From all of us at Salcombe Lifeboat Station UK, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our fellow search and rescue colleagues at Marine Rescue NSW, following the tragic incident in Ballina, Australia.

The loss of their two volunteers is felt on a global scale and is a sobering reminder of the immense danger search and rescue volunteers face every day at sea. We recognise the profound impact tragedies like this have on families, crews and communities. Our thoughts are with them all.

We honour the courage, commitment and selflessness of those involved, and of everyone who dedicates their lives to saving lives at sea. They will not be forgotten. Fair winds and following seas 💙

04/05/2026

Sunday 3rd May Salcombe CrabFest.

Despite initial concerns regarding weather conditions, after all it was a Bank Holiday weekend, CrabFest once again proved to be an exceptionally busy period for the Salcombe RNLI team. This activity was focused less on operations at sea and more on engaging with the public and highlighting the important work undertaken by the organization.

The Water Safety team, operating from Island Street, provided lifejacket safety checks and disseminated information covering various aspects of water safety. With over 80 visitors, the team remained occupied throughout the day. We extend our sincere gratitude to Luscombe Maye for their generous hospitality.

The Salcombe RNLI Museum & Gift Shop experienced a successful day, welcoming a steady stream of customers who viewed exhibits, made purchases, and contributed donations. The presence of the Salcombe Larks, who performed adjacent to the lifeboat station, further enhanced the event's appeal.

Guided tours of both the ALB and ILB lifeboats, as well as a RNLI Lifeguards rescue watercraft (RWC), were once again extremely popular with attendees of all ages, resulting in queues to board. The ALB alone attracted more than 350 visitors.

An update on the Boat Jumble in Kingsbridge held the previous day, raised over £1,000 and boosted awareness of our Water Safety and Face to Face teams, who were active throughout the morning.

** A special word of thanks to the District Council Farmers Market and the team at Luscombe Maye in Salcombe for their continued support.

Address

Unity House, Union Street
Salcombe
TQ88BZ

Telephone

+441548842158

Website

http://www.salcombelifeboat.co.uk/

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