On Monday 2nd April, Andrew Medley was appointed new Coxswain of RNLI Torbay.
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Keen eyed spotters will have noticed we have a visitor moored alongside our RNLI pontoon in Brixham harbour.
14-07 Trent Class ALB ‘Frederick Storey Cockburn’ is paying us a visit; I’ve no idea why but she made a good photo opportunity for Graham Collins, one of our non-RNLI members but a regular photo contributor.
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Many congratulations to Crew member Ian Barnaby on his New Year Honour of the British Empire Medal for his Services to Maritime Safety.
Starting as one of the first helms when the RNLI established a lifeboat service on the River Thames in 2002, Ian ‘Barney’ Barnaby went on to join the volunteer crew at Torbay RNLI in 2014 after moving to Devon.
To date, he has attended 471 shouts, aiding 234 people and saving 14 lives, but it is his contribution to the wider RNLI and Brixham community where he has left the greatest mark.
His energy and input have enhanced welfare and social engagement at Torbay RNLI and helped generate more than £105,000 in donations through Barney’s Kilimanjaro Challenge, which will help fund and equip a new D class lifeboat for Torbay RNLI.
Comprising six challenges between May 2022 and February 2023, the fundraiser was a last hurrah before the oldest crew members retire over the next few years and included skydiving, endurance swimming, cycling, rowing, driving, and climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Barney, in receipt of a BEM said: ‘It was a complete shock to receive the letter saying that I was going to receive an honour.
‘None of us do what we do to receive recognition, however, I obviously feel very proud for myself and my family, but also for everyone at RNLI Torbay, we are incredibly close-knit and have achieved great things as a team.
‘My 21 years as crew, both at Tower and Torbay, has been immensely rewarding and I feel privileged to be part of such a fabulous organisation.’
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EXCLUSIVE images of our proposed new RNLI TORBAY station here.
Unusual to see the ALB in the inner harbour. Our volunteer crew had just completed an exercise that had culminated in towing in the fishing trawler and putting her (gently) alongside the jetty, that can be seen in the background.
Our Coxswain Mark Criddle has retired after 17 years as head ‘Coxswain’ and is stepping aside from his managerial duties running the station.
Jason Stride is the new Head Coxswain.
Congratulations to John Turner, Torbay RNLI’s Water Safety Officer, who was invited as one amongst five RNLI volunteers from across UK, to attend a garden party on Wednesday 3rd May at Buckingham Palace to mark the King’s coronation.
The Killimanjaro Challenge to raise £60,000
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ILB out on a recent rescue – Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Coastguard rescue on a shout. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Coastguard rescue on a shout. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ALB on Remembrance Sunday – Image: Karen Parker – Non-RNLI individual
Jason Stride of RNLI Torbay, has passed muster to qualify as ‘Coxswain’.
The training for this role is extensive and assessment to qualify is very carefully adjudicated by a RNLI examiner who is an experienced senior coxswain – in this case a coxswain from RNLI Weymouth who was here for a supervised exercise (which then turned into a real shout for a missing person).
Mark Criddle said: ‘We are very proud of Jason. His qualification as Coxswain significantly strengthens the depth of our station’s capabilities. We are all really delighted for him and warmly welcome him into our small band of Coxswain brothers’.
Jason Stride responded: ‘It was hard work. There was a lot to learn, and it was by no means a given. I have earned my living all my working life in Brixham, so it’s something I really wanted – it’s something that allows me to give back to the town, especially to the fishermen and to the wider fishing community. So yes, I am chuffed to bits I have done it!’
Congratulations Jason!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like aboard our Severn class ALB 17-28?
Now you can find out by taking control of your own tour on screen here just by clicking on the image opposite!
With a very special BIG thanks to Kilimanjaro Gold Sponsor ‘Absolute’ who’s sister company ‘Innovate 3sixty’ made it happen!
The annual Boxing Day swim took place from Paignton beach in near perfect weather.
Our trusty Crew aboard the ALB were on hand just in case though .. keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings!
Image: Pauline Challen – Non-RNLI individual
‘Dart Princess’ and our ALB carrying out a towing exercise. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ALB seen recently out in the bay. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
Our ALB preparing for a towing exercise. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
17 28 bows on out in the bay! Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual 
‘Dart Princess’ and our ALB preparing for a towing exercise. Image: Julie Bibby – Non-RNLI individual
ILB Shout 63
A brief video of this rescue on September 30th taken by a Crew member’s helmet cam.
A rare sight in Torbay
ALB 17 28: ‘Alec and Christina Dykes’- Severn Class boat (Torbay)
ALB 13 03: ‘R and J Welburn’ – Shannon Class boat (Exmouth)
ILB – ‘The Two Annes’ – Atlantic 85 B Class (Teignmouth)
Image: Graham Collins – Non-RNLI individual
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual 
A few images from September 3rd – the Great Big Paddle Parade hosted by Wesup. Image: Julie Stapleton Snell – Non-RNLI individual
ALB shout 30 – the catamaran is taken in tow.
Image: Pauline Challen – Non-RNLI individual
If proof was ever needed that it is not only ‘hoomans’ that our Volunteer Crews rescue, this video shows our D Class ILB rescuing “Yogi” who had fallen off the edge of a cliff on the north side of St Mary’s Bay. He was found conscious but clearly shaken, wrapped in a towel and taken gently back to the station where he was reunited with his owner who took him straight to the vet.
This was shout number 53 for our ILB
Training plays a major part in our Crew members role on board the ALB and ILB.
Checkout this short video by Crewman Nigel Millard, shot whilst on a recent exercise in Torbay.
Images of the recent super-yacht fire, taken by LESLEY PERRIN, can be viewed here.
.. and all that is left of a few £million!
(image Lesley Perrin)
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Premier Marine’s new boatyard at Noss-on-Dart means we can now carry out our six-monthly ‘Planned Maintenance’ locally!
Our Severn Class lifeboat was lifted out of the water last week for her biannual ‘Planned Maintenance’ at Premier Marina’s new boatyard at Noss-on-Dart. The opening of the 75-ton capacity hoist-dock at the boatyard, saves having to take our 40-ton all-weather lifeboat (ALB) to busier and more distant boatyards at Falmouth or Poole. This is not only easier, but also means less time away from duties for both the lifeboat and crew.
Every six months, we undertake ‘Underwater Planned Maintenance’ to ensure our Severn Class lifeboat is kept in optimum condition. This involves amongst other things: a full hull scrub to remove marine growth; inspections of all skin fittings and of our vinyl wrap hull for wear, tear, damage or abrasion; inspection and cleaning of props, prop shafts, rudders and rope-cutters; cleaning of the sea inlet grill, all transducers and hull earthing plate; and replacement of all relevant anodes.
We use a vinyl wrap over our hull because this is more sustainable, faster and environmentally friendlier than antifouling each time. But we need to take care that the wrap remains smooth and undamaged as well as clear of barnacles or any other growth.
The six-monthly Planned Maintenance is also used as an opportunity to gather any specialist RNLI engineers we need for detailed inspection of our Severn Class lifeboat’s two MTU 10V2000 M94, 1,600 hp engines. This is the powerhouse we rely on for a 25-knot maximum speed that can be kept up for 10.4 hours and can cover a 250 nautical mile range – so it is critical she is kept in perfect running order.
Ashley McInally our Station Mechanic said; “This is the first time we’ve used the new hoist-dock at Noss. It’s an intricate operation lifting a 40-ton Severn Class lifeboat out the water and Premier Marine have been both professional and helpful. It’s handy for us to be able to carry out this maintenance more locally.”
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A slide-show of images showing our ALB recently out on the waters of Torbay.
Images: Adrian Pearce – Non-RNLI individual
A fantastic video showing our ALB returning home to Brixham following shout #7 on April 26th.
Video: Graham Collins – Non-RNLI individual
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Nice to catch our ALB returning home from a training session today (14/02/2022).
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The annual Lions Club Boxing Day Dip took place again this year, and our volunteer Crews were out on the water just to keep a watchful eye on things.
Seen below in the slide show are our regular ALB 17-28 and her inflatable Y-boat, along with relief ALB 17-27.
All images courtesy of Simon Day Photograhy – @SimonDayEventPhotography
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Those of you who keep an eye on our pontoon at Brixham will be aware that we currently have two Severn class ALB’s moored alongside.
We have been joined by relief ALB 17-27 “Volunteer Spirit” (r) and she will be stored here with us over Christmas and New Year, then on 17th January she will change over with our regular ALB as she goes for some underwater maintenance.
So if you want to catch a photo of two Severn’s together – you have plenty of time!
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Our ALB recently carried out a joint training exercise with the HM Coastguard involving one of their air-sea ‘search and rescue’ helicopters (G-MCGX AgustaWestland AW189).
Many people witnessed this from the coastline, but we are lucky enough to have some superb photos here taken by Chris Slack , from Brixham breakwater, and although the light was poor they are a set of amazing shots.
Many thanks Chris.
(A short video link from our ALB camera can be seen on our Facebook page: https://fb.watch/9WFZXgITfI/)
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Sunday marked the 20th anniversary of our Severn Class lifeboat ON17-28, entering service at our Torbay station on 31st October 2001. We celebrated with a business-as-usual joint exercise with the Teignmouth RNLI station.
This is actually a very important landmark in the history of our Torbay station. The Severn class lifeboat has provided a significant enhancement in our capability, enabling the station to extend its cover from a 30 to 50 mile radius reachable within 2 hours. Moored proudly outside our station at Brixham’s Breakwater, she’s also a tangible reminder of the public’s generosity in supporting our mission to save lives at sea.
The boat, ON17-28 (the ‘Operational Number’ on the side), or RNLI 1255 (the RNLI’s official vessel number), was named the ‘Alec and Christina Dykes’ at her formal launch ceremony on 31st October 2001, after the lady and husband whose bequest paid for most of its £1.8 million cost. The remaining funding came from individuals and organisations, as noted on a brass plaque mounted in the wheelhouse.
Following a refit in 2018, she carries two MTU 10v2000 M94 engines, each of 1,600 hp, that enable a top speed of just over 25 knots. She is made from fibre-reinforced composite material whose hard chine semi-displacement hull is built so that she can stay afloat even if 2 of her 5 compartments are flooded. She accommodates a working crew of 7, and is self-righting, which is handy in heavy seas. She is one of only 46 such vessels made by Berthon Boat Company in Lymington, between 1992 and 2005.
Her sturdy construction has not only enhanced the reach of our services but has facilitated our ability to assist in heavy sea, as she did on 13th January 2008 when in force 9 winds and severely rolling, four metre swells, she allowed our volunteer crew to make repeated approaches to Ice Prince, a freighter in distress and listing at 45 degrees at the time, to take eight remaining people off the vessel before she finally broke up.
The Severn class OP17-28 ‘Alec and Christina Dykes’ has come a long way from our first open-air lifeboat, which was launched 155 years ago and funded by the citizens of Exeter after the great storm of 12th January 1866 claimed almost 100 lives. She is one of 458 lifeboats stationed around the coastlines of UK and Ireland, who last year alone assisted 8,374 people, saving 239 lives.
With more people coming to enjoy their summers in the West country, and in Torbay in particular, swelling our population in August from 134,000 to 200,000, and with more people enjoying water sports, we are fortunate in having this asset at our disposal.
As a registered charity, the RNLI relies financially on the public’s donations, our fund raising events and legacies. It’s also contingent upon the commitment and teamwork of the volunteer crews and the performance of our lifeboats and equipment.
As Torbay RNLI’s Coxswain Mark Criddle put it: ‘We don’t perform as individuals. We do our job as part of a team who in turn depend upon working seamlessly with our lifeboat. That’s why we weren’t celebrating our lifeboat’s 20th anniversary on Sunday, but rather taking part in joint exercises with our Teignmouth lifeboat station neighbours’.
Our Second Coxswain Richard Fowler hit the national news when his trawler ‘Rebecca’ caught a 2,150kg anchor in their net. It is thought the “very rare” Trotman anchor from the 1860s, which measures nearly 4m (13ft) in length, could be ‘worth a few bob’ as well!
The Receiver of Wrecks will investigate what vessel the anchor might have come from and try to identify its owner. The anchor is not for sale currently as an owner has one year to come forward and claim it “after which point it will become property of the Crown and it will be the receiver’s responsibility to dispose of it appropriately on behalf of the Crown”.
On the morning of August 10th, our ALB was tasked to assist a 64′ Motor Yacht with three persons on board .. which had experienced an engine failure leading to an engine room fire, 3.5nm SSW of Dartmouth Castle. 0.5nm from Bell Buoy. The slide-show below shows the procedure called ‘rafting up’ which was used to take over from the Dartmouth B class lifeboat to tow the Motor Yacht back to the safety of Dartmouth, then our Crew could relax on the trip home to Brixham. Photos: RNLI Torbay – Stuart White
The casualty 
Rafting up 
Entering the Dart 
Rafter together 
Entering the Dart 
Approaching Dartmouth pontoon 
Homeward bound .. job well done 
Homeward bound .. job well done 
Dart RNLI Launch 477 + Torbay AWB 17 28. Dart RNLI Atlantic class boat attended a distress call from a motor vessel which was reported to have a fire on board. Joined by Torbay’s lifeboat, the stricken craft was towed into Dartmouth. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual 
Dart RNLI Launch 477 + Torbay AWB. Dart RNLI Atlantic class boat attended a distress call from motor vessel Kristina which was reported to have a fire on board. Joined by The stricken craft was towed into Dartmouth. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual 
Dart RNLI Launch 477 + Torbay ALB. Dart RNLI Atlantic class boat attended a distress call from motor vessel Kristina which was reported to have a fire on board. Joined by Torbay’s lifeboat, the stricken craft was towed into Dartmouth. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual 
Dart RNLI Launch 477 + Torbay AWB. Dart RNLI Atlantic class boat attended a distress call from motor vessel Kristina which was reported to have a fire on board. Joined by Torbay’s lifeboat, the stricken craft was towed into Dartmouth. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual 
Torbay ALB and the stricken craft rafted together. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual 
Torbay ALB and the stricken vessel rafted together. Photo: Andy Kyle – Non-RNLI individual
The return of ‘RNLB Alec and Christina Dykes’
Coxed by Richard Fowler, our Severn Class ALB, 17 28 – ‘RNLB Alec and Christina Dykes’ made her long awaited return to Brixham today.
The slide show below follows her journey from Poole to Brixham via Lyme Regis and home, firstly to refuel, then home onto her pontoon, with images taken from Marine Traffic, Lyme Regis Harbour webcam, our Sea Tang webcam, and by photographer Chris Slack; all Non-RNLI associated.
Many thanks to Chris for keeping in touch all Sunday afternoon and then finally making a trip down to the breakwater for some special photos.
Following on from our ALB Shout #23 it was nice for the Crew involved to receive the following message: “Hi there, Just wanted to say how impressed we were watching you rescue the three ladies after we called the Coastguard!” Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Following on from our ALB Shout #23 it was nice for the Crew involved to receive the following message: “Hi there, Just wanted to say how impressed we were watching you rescue the three ladies after we called the Coastguard!” Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Following on from our ALB Shout #23 it was nice for the Crew involved to receive the following message: “Hi there, Just wanted to say how impressed we were watching you rescue the three ladies after we called the Coastguard!” Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Following on from our ALB Shout #23 it was nice for the Crew involved to receive the following message: “Hi there, Just wanted to say how impressed we were watching you rescue the three ladies after we called the Coastguard!” Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Part of our ALB Shout #23as the Y boat is launched. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Part of our ALB Shout #23 as the Crew board the Y boat. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Our relief ALB en route to Shout #23 Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Part of Shout #23 as the Y boat goes into action. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Part of Shout #23 as our Y boat carries out the stand up paddle board recovery. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Shout ~23 nears completion as our Y boat is hoisted back on board the ALB. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals 
Completing Shout #23 our ALB heads home to the Station HQ. Photo: Heather and John Murdin – Non-RNLI individuals
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual 
24/06/2021: Both our ALB and ILB were launched to stand off an incident where a vehicle had left the road and gone down the rocks above Meadfoot beach huts.Police/ Fire and HMCG also in attendance, and they recovered the injured person. Our Lifeboats stood by just in case they were needed. Photo: Paul Hore – Non-RNLI individual
People often ask what goes on behind the scenes when they dial 999 and ask for the Lifeboat.
CLICK HERE to find out exactly what actions follow at our Torbay RNLI station
After being ‘off-station’ at the Isle of Wight for a refurbishment .. our regular ILB D-788 ‘Leslie & Mary Daws‘ is once again now back on station.
You can watch our ILB launching for a shout earlier today HERE
Video: Vanessa Pope – Non-RNLI individual
Our relief ALB 17 45 passing the ‘Marella Discovery’, with Hms Prince of Wales in the haze 06/06, whilst out on Shout 33.
Photo: David Taylor Photography – Non-RNLI individual
Some action from from our ILB shout number 30 (30/05/2021).
Both engines had failed on this five metre boat and anchor line also broke resulting in the boat being washed in with one person on board.. It had been moored not far from shore and wouldn’t restart.
Both our ILB and the Coastguard attended.
Both our reserve ALB and our ILB were called out today (23/04) following a 999 call from a member of the public. The easterly wind had whipped up quite a sea, as can be seen from the action pictures taken by Pauline Challen – Non-RNLI individual
The returning home image in calmer waters was taken by Alena Egan – Non-RNLI individual
Another great action shot taken yesterday (11/04) showing our relief ALB 17 45 on her away to assist with a SAR shout between Torquay and Teignmouth.
Photo: Adrian Pearce – Non-RNLI individual
This beautiful photo shows our ILB D788, passing the Marella Explorer, as she heads over to Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay in response to a shout yesterday (02/04)
Photo: Graham Windsor – Non-RNLI individual
Yesterday (25/03) saw our relief ALB 17 45 out on a shout to assist a stricken 16′ motor vessel with engine problems.
This stunning photo shows the ALB towing the vessel back into Torquay harbour.
Photo: Graham Windsor – Non-RNLI individual
Sharp eyed spotters will have noticed that there are currently two ALBs on our pontoon – 17 45 (The Duke of Kent) has joined our 17 28 today.
She is a relief Lifeboat and will be going into service tomorrow (22/03), providing cover for our own Station Lifeboat which will be going for some engine repairs.
Photo: Webcam screen grab
Checkout this video (filmed by the pet owner) showing our Inshore Life Boat (ILB) carrying out their 9th rescue this year – one involving a much loved canine friend called “Florrie”..
This message from Florrie’s owner:
“Florrie has been one lucky girl with just broken toes! For a skinny lurcher that’s pretty amazing! Cuts are super grand she has pain relief .Your team is beyond wonderful and I hope after lockdown to get Florrie down to the station with some goodies for the crew!”
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During her recent routine visit to Poole for maintenance, our ALB was lifted out of the water to have her hull and prop cleaned of the usual underwater growth of barnacles and weed.
RNLI Torbay’s Mechanic Ash McInally describes the process: “She is hauled out and pressured washed with any debris being collected in tank then disposed of using an environmentally friendly manner. Our hull uses a vinyl wrap which has a smaller environmental impact than anti foul.”
The following three pictures supplied by Coxswain Mark Criddle show exactly why this is necessary to help maintain her design speed of 25 knots and also conserve fuel.
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Torbay Cox Achieves 500th Shout During Pandemic
“The crew can go without the Coxswain but the Coxswain can’t go without his crew”, so said Mark Criddle when talking about what a team effort achieving his 500th shout had been in a BBC Radio Devon interview with Gordon Sparks this week.
Listen to the full interview HERE
As one of the RNLI’s most decorated and longest serving Coxswains, Mark Criddle has been involved with 835 shouts and saving 123 lives since joining the charity as volunteer crew in 1994.
Read more here ….
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I couldn’t explain to you in words how someone looks, the relief on their faces when everything else in life is going wrong at that point and the lifeboat turns up”, so said RNLI Torbay Coxswain Mark Criddle OBE during a chat with Jeremy Paxman for a new podcast released this week.
Having read the RNLI’s Surviving the Storms book, among the wide ranging chat the two had, Jeremy wanted to talk to Mark about the Ice Prince shout of 2008 when Mark and his crew of RNLI Torbay volunteers rescued 8 of the 132 metre cargo ship’s crew before the 44-tonne coaster capsized and sank. Mark, who was awarded the RNLI’s Silver Medal for Gallantry for his role in the rescue effort, said: ‘I’m proud to see this story featured in the book, alongside so many other incredible rescues by the RNLI’s lifeguards and lifeboat crews right across the UK and Ireland.’
To order a copy of Surviving the Storms visit https://shop.rnli.org/surviving-the-storms.
You can listen to Jeremy Paxman’s podcast featuring Mark Criddle, on Acast, Spotify, iTunes or wherever you get your podcast content.
Torbay Lifeboats 