Salcombe RNLI

Home
United Kingdom
Salcombe
Salcombe RNLI

The official page of Salcombe Lifeboat Station.

15/06/2026

After completing rigorous training and an evening at sea under demanding evaluation, RNLI Volunteer Crew member Toby Woods has earned his qualification as ALB Navigator, adding to his previous achievement as ILB Helm.

Toby extends gratitude to his fellow crew members for their ongoing support, with particular thanks to Tricky, Nat, and Steve Walter.

Congratulations Toby.

13/06/2026

A Date for your Diary.

10/06/2026

Monday 8th June saw a joint exercise between RNLI Salcombe Lifeboat and Salcombe Yacht Club, simulating a scenario with multiple capsized dinghies and casualties in the water. Salcombe ILB was tasked by the Salcombe Yacht Club at the point where the SYC safety boats became overwhelmed, demonstrating the importance of rapid coordination in emergency situations.

Salcombe ALB provided the platform for casualty care and exercise oversight, ensuring that all participants received appropriate attention and guidance throughout the exercise. The Salcombe Harbour Authority Launch stood by, ready to assist if needed, further highlighting the value of multi-agency collaboration.

All agreed it was a well executed exercise, with many learning points identified for both SYC and Salcombe Lifeboat, improving future response strategies. Thanks to all involved who gave their time and expertise to make this exercise a success.

Photo Credits: Lucy Burn & RNLI Salcombe

03/06/2026

Following on from a busy half term week the Salcombe RNLI crews may have expected a slowing in the number of calls for assistance for the next week or two.

As it turns out that was not to be; Tuesday around mid-day and the ALB launched in response to a Mayday call from a 45-foot yacht with a jammed winch and fore sail between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail. Onboard were 2 casualties suffering from sickness and exhaustion. ALB crew members boarded the yacht, easing the pressure on the yachts crew, whilst the ALB escorted the vessel into Salcombe Harbour.

14:00 Wednesday and the Salcombe ALB again launched this time to aid a Yacht 4nm South of Bolt Tail experiencing difficulties having lost its mast. The crew of the yacht were able to cut their rig away and proceed towards Salcombe under their own power, whilst being escorted by the ALB.

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.

Address

Unity House, Union Street
Salcombe
TQ88BZ

Telephone

+441548842158

Website

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Salcombe RNLI posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Salcombe RNLI:

Shortcuts

Want your organisation to be the top-listed Non Profit Organisation in Salcombe?