Exmouth all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was tasked by Portland Coastguards on 26 November at 8.18am to assist in the recovery of an overturned fishing vessel ‘Aleyna’. The boat was located 26 miles South East of Exmouth.

A fishing vessel ‘Girl Debra’ was nearby at the time the boat heeled over and they were able to rescue the two men who had fallen into the water. The skipper of ‘Girl Debra’ called for assistance. The two casualties were airlifted to hospital by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 106 from Portland.
 
Both Exmouth and Torbay Lifeboats attended the scene to assess the situation of the boat. Torbay ALB was stood down before arriving and the Exmouth ALB stayed to recover any relevant artifacts.

Tim Mock, RNLI Coxswain/Mechanic for Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat said; “We managed to recover the liferaft, liferings, fishboxes and other debris before the boat sank.”

He added; “It was fortunate the fishing vessel ‘Girl Debra’ was in the vicinity. In order to save time the skipper David Driver dropped his trawl and made best speed to recover the men out of the water.” 
 

Notes to editors
· Exmouth RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1858. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk
· Photo of boat sinking. Boats in background are “Girl Debra’ and Royal Naval Ship Bulwark. Extra photos sending via separate email ref Aleyna 1,2,3 and 4. Please credit Exmouth Lifeboat for photos.

RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone Jo Damsell, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07551 635363 or JDamsell@aol.com.

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland