NCI Froward Point

05/09/2026

NCI Froward Point and the Waverley trip.

Two of the NCI Froward Point watchkeepers had independently booked the same trip, completely unaware they would be sharing their day aboard the Waverley, the world’s last operational sea-going passenger-carrying paddle steamer. There were two more NCI watchkeepers on board, one from Torbay and the other from Exmouth.

The Waverley was travelling from Dartmouth to Torquay and onwards to Weymouth. From Weymouth she then cruised along the Jurassic Coast before returning to Weymouth. It was a memorable trip for both watchkeepers, with an extra special moment when the Waverley passed Froward Point.

The watchkeepers on duty at Froward Point dipped the ensign in salute, a traditional maritime gesture of respect. The Waverley’s Captain was delighted to see the salute and sent his thanks.

One of the watchkeepers grew up in Scotland and remembers travelling on the Waverley when she was still operating as a working ferry, and was delighted to be able to step aboard again, many years later.

The other watchkeeper was asked by Chris, the Waverley commentator to talk to the passengers about NCI Froward Point and the work of the National Coastwatch Institution, (and was pleased to accept the request).

The Waverley then passed Vigilance, the Brixham trawler built at Upham’s Yard in Brixham in 1926, which has recently undergone a complete restoration. Two other passengers travelling on the Waverley had played a part in that restoration, making sails for Vigilance and helping with repairs to her beam. The Waverley was accompanied by dolphins, fore and aft as she cruised across Lyme Bay.

The trip was not without incident as the photographs show. While coming alongside in Torquay, she was blown sideways towards the harbour wall. One of the Harbourmaster’s boats attempted to stop her swing and was crushed against the harbour wall. The boat’s skipper, very philosophically, said the Waverley was much more precious than his boat and fibreglass is easier to repair.

A memorable day of maritime connections, shared memories and incident all on a single voyage.

Thank you to watchkeeper Barry Brian for capturing some great photos.

03/09/2026

NCI Froward Point are pleased to stand alongside our colleagues across the National Coastwatch Institution in recognising the vital contribution of the Merchant Navy and all those who serve at sea.

On Merchant Navy Day, National Coastwatch is proud to recognise the professionalism, dedication and vital contribution of the Merchant Navy.

The Merchant Navy plays an essential role in supporting trade, transporting vital goods and keeping the UK connected with the rest of the world.

Much of this activity goes unnoticed by those on shore. But from National Coastwatch stations around the coast, our volunteer watchkeepers see the wide range of vessels and activities taking place on our waters every day, including the Merchant Navy vessels that play such an important role in our lives.

Today is an opportunity to recognise those who currently serve, as well as the generations of Merchant Navy personnel who have served before them.

Thank you for everything you do.

29/08/2026

A busy week on watch at NCI Froward Point.

Volunteer watckeepers at Froward Point have been provided with a varied and interesting display of vessels to spot, plot and report, with the Royal Regatta at Dartmouth taking place this week. The event organised by the Port of Dartmouth Regatta committee.

The River Dart and surrounding waters have been alive with activity on the water, and watchkeepers have enjoyed some excellent views of the sailing yachts taking part in the Regatta as they passed close to Froward Point.

Some spotted vessels are: HMS Blazer (P279), HMS Express (P163) – Archer-class P2000 patrol and training vessels and the HMS Brocklesby (M33)- Hunt-class minesweeper.

It has also been an exceptionally busy and sadly, difficult week for maritime rescue organisations near the River Dart and south coast, with the tragic loss of a swimmer on a nearby beach, and other incidents include a cliff rescue and a de -masted yacht needing assistance.

At NCI Froward Point, our volunteer watchkeepers continue to maintain a vigilant watch with our “eyes and ears” along the coast whenever the station is operational, reporting vessels and incidents to HM Coastguard and maritime authorities when required.

Thank you watchkeepers Barry and Dave for capturing some great photos

28/08/2026

Incident near Blackpool Sands.

Earlier today, NCI Froward Point heard a stricken sailing vessel calling HM Coastguard on radio VHF Channel 16, requesting assistance and a tow after suffering a fallen and broken mast in moderate conditions.

The vessel, whose name was unknown, had six persons on board. The skipper reported that everyone was safe and that the vessel was not at risk. Because of this a Mayday or Pan-Pan call was not made.

The skipper gave the vessel’s approximate position and distance of one nautical mile off Blackpool Sands.

Following the radio call, RNLI Dartmouth Inshore Lifeboat was launched and proceeded towards the reported position.

NCI Froward Point continued to monitor communications between VHF Channels 16 and 00 and subsequently heard that the RNLI had located the vessel. A tow rope was successfully secured and the vessel was towed back towards the River Dart.

NCI Froward Point informed HM Coastguard that the station would continue to keep watch on the vessels until they had safely reached the River Dart.

We would like to thank all the emergency services involved for their quick response and assistance at the scene. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining “eyes and ears” along the coast, and how listening out for those who may need assistance and promptly raising the alarm with the Coastguard can help ensure that the appropriate emergency services are alerted and able to respond.

26/08/2026

Incident at Wash Point – Newfoundland Cove

Earlier yesterday, there was an incident at Wash Point, between Newfoundland Cove and Kingswear, where a male casualty fell down the cliff.

NCI Froward Point was not directly involved in the rescue, but we were aware of the situation and remained on standby should our assistance have been needed.

Brixham and Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue teams, and both RNLI Dart lifeboats - B class and D class, Devon Air Ambulance and South West Ambulance all attended the incident.

The casualty was successfully brought back up the cliff and taken by medics for further treatment.

The NCI Froward Point station was used to accommodate the emergency vehicles while the rescue operation was taking place.

We would like to thank all the emergency services involved for their quick response and assistance at the scene.

Photo of emergency vehicles parked at NCI Froward Point during the incident.

18/08/2026

There is always plenty of interest in seeing a cruise ship up close.

One of our volunteer watchkeepers at NCI Froward Point was delighted to spot the Deutschland cruise liner as she made her way towards the entrance to the River Dart and into Dartmouth.

From Froward Point, NCI volunteers get to see a wide variety of vessels passing along the South Devon coastline and Start Bay, and it is always interesting to be able to share these sightings and photos.

Thank you to our volunteer watchkeeper John for sharing this photo.

16/08/2026

See the coast differently – Volunteer with NCI at Froward Point.

Join us and become part of a dedicated watchkeeper team helping to keep our coastline safe.

We offer friendly, no-obligation taster sessions so you can see what’s involved and decide if it’s right for you. No previous maritime experience is needed. Our supportive team provides a full training programme for all new recruits, covering everything from radio and radar use to understanding tides and currents, and much more, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to carry out the role.

To find out more please email Froward Point Station Manager –
[email protected].

14/08/2026

Stay Connected with NCI Froward Point.

If you are heading out into Start Bay or towards the River Dart, the NCI lookout station at Froward Point is here to help during daylight operating hours.

Vessels out at sea can call “Froward Point NCI” on Channel 65 for a quick:

• VHF radio check
• AIS check
• Update on local weather
• Update on current sea conditions around Start Bay and the River Dart approach

One of the benefits of having the NCI Froward Point volunteer station operational during daylight hours is that vessels can call in for a radio check to confirm that their VHF radio is transmitting and receiving clearly, or for an AIS check.

Whether you are heading out for a day’s fishing, sailing, or simply enjoying time on the water, a quick radio check can give you confidence that your communications are working should you need them.

Our NCI volunteer watchkeepers are happy to assist during station operating hours, helping to ensure safer boating for everyone using our local waters.

13/08/2026

Sometimes NCI Froward Point watchkeepers get involved in helping others at sea even when they are not on watch.

Last Saturday afternoon, one of our volunteer watchkeepers was out on his boat with his wife and granddaughter, enjoying a gentle cruise along the coast.

While crossing Torbay near Paignton, they heard a MAYDAY call on VHF Channel 16. A small motorboat was in trouble near Berry Head after its engine had failed.

They immediately turned around and headed towards Berry Head, arriving within just a few minutes. They located the casualty only a few metres from the rocks, and positioned between two lobster pot lines.

Being much larger than the casualty, they had to be extremely cautious around the rocks and pots. They began manoeuvring to see if they could safely get closer and pass a line to pull the boat away from danger.

Thankfully, help soon arrived in the form of local fisherman and boat trip host Mr Fish, aboard his smaller local trip boat Four Reasons. His local knowledge and smaller vessel meant he could get much closer to the rocks and successfully pull the casualty away to safety.

With paying guests on board, Mr Fish then had to release the casualty, so NCI watchkeeper and his family continued the rescue. After some careful manoeuvring in the rolling sea and strong tidal conditions around Berry Head, they were eventually able to get a tow line connected.

The casualty was then gently towed back towards Brixham Harbour, where Brixham Marina kindly sent out a small boat to collect them and bring them safely into the marina.

Once everything was squared away, our watchkeeper and his family continued their own journey along the coast towards Dartmouth in a much livelier and breezy sea.

They were rewarded by being accompanied by a large pod of common dolphins, charging along the coast alongside them.

A great example of how people on the water look out for one another, the team effort involved a Froward Point watchkeeper, his family, Mr Fish aboard Four Reasons, and Brixham Marina.

Well done to everyone involved.