A routine training exercise between volunteer crews from Teignmouth and Exmouth Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) turned into a real-time rescue yesterday evening (Wednesday 30 July), when a local fishing vessel suffered engine failure off Long Quarry Point.

Teignmouth RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Claude and Kath, was taking part in a joint exercise with Exmouth’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) and inshore lifeboat (ILB) when a distress signal, known as a Pan Pan call, was received via VHF radio.

The call reported a 24-foot fishing vessel with engine failure. A Pan-Pan call is an international radio distress signal used in aviation and maritime communication to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening but still requires assistance.

Under instruction from Solent Coastguard, Exmouth ALB sped to the reported location, arriving swiftly on scene followed by crew onboard Teignmouth Lifeboat . After a thorough assessment, Teignmouth lifeboat established a tow and safely brought the vessel back to its mooring in the Teign Estuary at 8:10pm.

Exmouth’s ALB remained on scene throughout to provide additional support if required.

Once the tow was completed, Teignmouth lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service, with both Exmouth lifeboats also returning to station.

Teignmouth RNLI operations manager Andy Lilburn said: ‘This is a perfect example of why we train regularly with our neighbouring flank stations and their volunteer crews. The close coordination between Teignmouth and Exmouth ensured a safe and efficient response, with a positive outcome for all involved.’

A spokesperson from Teignmouth RNLI added that ‘the rescue serves as a great reminder to all boat users of the importance of carrying a working VHF radio, lifejackets, and having a means of calling for help’.