News from Prawle Point

Events and incidents during 2008

30.11.08
NCI Prawle Point watchkeepers set the standard high
On 30 November 2008, a team of NCI Prawle Point Watchkeepers successfully took part in a live exercise and the annual Declared Facility Status Review. In the morning, four Watchkeepers took part in an exercise involving the Salcombe RNLI Lifeboat and Brixham Coastguards. The Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat acted as the casualty with a buoy also being used as a ‘man overboard’. The four Watchkeepers took it in turns to ‘con’ (i.e. guide) the Lifeboat to the ‘casualty’. The feedback from the DFS assessor, the Lifeboat crew and Brixham Coastguard was very positive. In addition to the above, the four Watchkeepers and two more Watchkeepers in the afternoon were assessed on various aspects of watchkeeping – all came through with flying colours with the assessor describing their level of knowledge as ‘universally excellent’. Station documentation, equipment, procedures, training arrangements etc., were also assessed successfully and the station was judged to be ‘operating to the highest standards’.

1.11.08
Yacht Decorum reported a jammed mainsail and defective engine on Channel 16 and gave her position as about 1mile south of Prawle Point.. Prawle Point watchkeepers advised Brixham Coastguard that the casualty was visible and gave a precise position. Wind was ENE force 6, sea slight. The Coastguard broadcast a ‘pan’ alert and tasked Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat (ILB). The Prawle Point watchkeepers advised the Coastguard when the ILB passed the lookout and gave the casualty’s updated position. The ILB subsequently towed the yacht and its 5 man crew over the Bar.

29.9.08
NCI Prawle Point watchkeepers reported to Brixham Coastguard that a Laser 5000 sailing dinghy was repeatedly capsizing in Salcombe Range. Wind was W force 5, sea slight. When the Coastguard was informed that one of the two crew was on the hull waving both arms they tasked Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat and Hope Cove Coastguard Rescue Team. Salcombe ILB recovered the dinghy and its crew. Brixham Coastguard advised the ILB to inform the casualty that their actions were of a reckless nature.

29.9.08
A member of the public reported clothing, or possibly a body, on Ball Rock west of Gammon Head. Brixham Coastguard were informed by the duty watchkeepers at Prawle Point, and Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat and Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team were alerted. The Rescue Team identified the 'clothing' as an old, abandoned inflatable named Amanda.

13.9.08
After the motor sports boat Serenity reported engine failure on Channel 67. Brixham Coastguard put out a broadcast requesting assistance. Yacht Isla Marada responded and towed the casualty to Salcombe Bar, where she was taken in tow by the Salcombe Harbour launch. Wind was W force 3, sea calm. NCI Prawle Point watchkeepers maintained a visual watch and advised Brixham Coastguard of progress.

12.9.08
When yacht Suzanna reported engine failure on Channel 67, Prawle Point watchkeepers advised Brixham Coastguard that the casualty was visible and gave details of vessels in the vicinity that might be able to assist. The wind was NW force 3, sea slight. In the failing light the watchkeepers kept the lookout open until Suzanna reached Salcombe Bar under sail. Salcombe Harbour Launch then took her in tow.

30.8.08
Prawle Point watchkeepers sighted a RIB off Prawle Point with engine failure. They informed Brixham Coastguard and gave updates. The wind was ENE force 4, sea slight. The casualty, with two people on board, was taken in tow by Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat.

12.8.08
A dog chased a sheep over the cliff at Prawle Point. The NCI duty watchkeeper informed the farmer and Brixham Coastguard. Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue Team recovered the dog, a Staffordshire Terrier, but not the sheep unfortunately.

26.7.08
Yacht Double Vision reported, on Channel 16, engine failure near Salcombe. Prawle Point watchkeepers advised Brixham Coastguard that the casualty was visible and gave details of vessels in vicinity able to assist. The wind was W force 3, sea slight. Two yachts offered assistance but Double Vision started her engine and made her own way.

Prawle Point with the watchstation on the skyline

21.7.08
Brixham Coastguard requested NCI Prawle Point to scan for an empty open fishing vessel in Lannacombe Bay reported by a member of the public. Prawle Point watchkeepers identified the fishing vessel as SE158 and later confirmed that there were two people on board and that they were in no apparent distress.

20.7.08
Dinghy Impulse with three anglers reported engine failure 100yds S of Prawle Point. Prawle Point watchkeepers used the Aldis lamp to attract the attention of nearby vessels. Motor Launch Wahoo responded and took Impulse in tow. Wind was WNW force 3-4, sea slight.

4.7.08
Yacht Mikara reported on Channel 16, that she had fouled a pot line 1 mile SE of Start Point. Prawle Point watchkeepers sighted the casualty and gave its position and details of the weather on scene to Brixham Coastguard. Wind was E force 4-5 with the sea rough in the casualty’s location. The skipper’s wife reported to be suffering from severe sea sickness and a helicopter was requested to lift her off. The watchkeepers gave details of the height of the cloud base and this was relayed to the helicopter. The yacht was taken in tow to Salcombe by Salcombe Lifeboat.

18.6.08
A Boston Whaler with six people on board was reported to be on the rocks in Starehole Bay. Brixham Coastguard asked NCI Prawle Point watchkeepers to carry out a visual search. However, because of poor visibility nothing was seen. The whaler was subsequently found by Hope Cove Coastguard Rescue Team and taken in tow by Salcombe Inshore Lifeboat to Salcombe where it was found that the prop and shaft were missing.

25.5.08
The Coastguard received an EPIRB alert from a missing yacht, Clarionet, from a position 12miles SW of Prawle Point. The RNAS Culdrose rescue helicopter, Rescue 193, and the Plymouth and Salcombe Lifeboats were tasked to carry out a search. The reported position was within the NCI Prawle Point watch sector and the watchkeepers were requested by Brixham Coastguard to carry out a visual search. This was called off when the yacht was sighted near Portland Bill.

31.3.08
Yacht Eyglanthene sent out a Mayday distress call on Channel 16 reporting that the crew were in difficulty and had no life jackets. NCI Prawle Point watchkeepers informed Brixham Coastguard that the casualty was in sight and gave its current position. The wind was WNW force 4, sea moderate to rough. Salcombe Lifeboat was tasked and took the yacht in tow to Salcombe. It was subsequently learnt that the yacht’s crew were distressed by the sea state which was rougher than they had expected.

7.3.08
NCI Watchkeepers observed the two man crew of a catamaran dumping a mattress overboard in Salcombe Range. Brixham Coastguard was informed and a full description of the craft was given. The Coastguard referred the report to their Enforcement Section who subsequently carried out investigations.

13.2.08
After visiting the NCI lookout a family walked down to the Demetrios wreck on the west side of Prawle Point. The lady in the group slipped and fell down the cliff and injured her ankle. Her husband reported the accident to the NCI watchkeepers who immediately informed Brixham Coastguard. Devon Air Ambulance and the local Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked and carried out a well co-ordinated rescue.