Salcombe RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat Baltic Exchange III on February Sunday 27 to find and rescue two people who were cut off by the incoming tide on the river Erme near Mothecombe.

Using his knowledge of the river and given the sea conditions at the time the Coxswain asked the Coastguard to launch the Inshore Life Boat from Plymouth to provide cover for the Y-boat in case it capsized and was unable to recover the Y-boat with All weather Life Boat

A mother and daughter with their dogs were stranded on the on the rocks and neither the ALB or ILB boats could reach them. The crew launched the sister Y boat to allow them to get through the rocks.

In rough seas the two crew members made two trips from the scene to shore, getting both women to the safety of the beach.

While the rescue was in progress a nearby kayaker capsized in the breakers on the Erme bar, with the Plymouth ILB rescuing him from the water and transferring him to the Salcombe ALB.

All casualties were taken to Meadows foot beach and seen by Yealm Cliff Rescue Team.