News from Prawle Point – 2011

15.09.11
When yacht Breton Girl reported engine failure the Prawle Point watchkeeper spotted her four miles south-east of the lookout. Brixham Coastguard was advised that the casualty was visual. Salcombe ILB was tasked and subsequently towed Breton Girl into Salcombe Harbour.

03.09.11
A female walker came into the lookout with abrasions on her knee and elbow having fallen on nearby rocks. The watchkeepers sat her down, provided her with water and access to the station’s first aid kit with which she self-administered. A German doctor who happened to be visiting the lookout at the time confirmed that the injuries were not serious and the lady was able resume her walk after 50 minutes. Brixham Coastguard were notified.

29.8.11
An open motor boat Tormenta reported engine failure by radio, giving her position as Gorah. The Prawle Point watchkeepers sighted her one mile to the east of Prawle Point with one adult and three children on board. The information was passed to Brixham Coastguard. Fishing vessel Martlet and motor cruiser Morning Mist stood by her and first Martlet and then Morning Mist took her in tow back to Salcombe.

28.8.11
When yacht Passana reported engine failure one mile south of Bolt Tail the Prawle Point watchkeeper was able to advise Brixham Coastguard that she was in sight to the south-west of Prawle Point and slowly heading for Salcombe. Salcombe ILB was tasked to escort Passana into Salcombe. Prior to the inshore lifeboat’s arrival the watchkeeper kept Passana under observation and gave position updates to the Coastguard.

24.08.11
A Mayday distress call was sent at midday by a Yacht Amigo when she was dismasted 1½ miles SW of Prawle Point. Brixham Coastguard acknowledged the call and then contacted the Prawle Point watchstation to obtain her precise position. The watchkeepers confirmed that they had the casualty in sight and gave details of what was happening on scene. Salcombe Lifeboat was tasked and after sinking the broken off mast, which had been buoyed, escorted Amigo into Salcombe Harbour.

24.07.11
One hour after Dive Boat Woodpecker dropped 5 divers in the water near Prawle Point, the duty watchkeepers saw a lone diver surface some distance from the dive boat and apparently unobserved by its crew. The watchkeepers called Brixham Coastguard who in turn called up Woodpecker by radio but received no reply. One watchkeeper went outside to attract the dive boat’s attention and this appeared to have the desired effect as the diver was picked up shortly afterwards.

22.07.11
A VHF Channel 16 call from Yacht Orienteer reported that she had hit a submerged object 5 miles from Prawle Point. The duty watchkeeper informed Brixham Coastguard that he had the casualty visual and gave details of a nearby passing yacht. The Coastguard called the passing yacht but she was reluctant to go to Orienteer’s assistance. Orienteer then regained steerage and the Coastguard asked the watchkeeper to monitor her progress. He was able to report her safely over Salcombe Bar.

Prawle Point with the watchstation on the skyline

13.06.11
In a new book, published as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Prawle Point Visitor Centre refurbishment project, Roger Barrett, local historian and Station Manager at the Prawle Point Lookout, describes how people have sought, over the centuries, to defend this coast against the threat of invasion, piracy and smuggling, wrest a living from its shores and safeguard the lives of those in peril on the sea.    More . . .

30.05.11
The duty watchkeeper heard a name being repeatedly called in an anxious tone so went outside to investigate. A mother had lost her 2 children, aged 10 and 6. Brixham Coastguard was immediately informed and the Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue team were tasked. The children were found just before the Rescue Team arrived on scene.

14.04.11
When yacht Headstrong sent a radio PanPan message reporting engine failure Prawle Point watchkeepers advised Brixham Coastguard that she was visible within a ¼mile of the lookout. The Coastguard later asked for an updated position and details of craft in the vicinity. Salcombe ILB was tasked and subsequently towed Headstrong over the Bar and into Salcombe.

07.04.11
The duty watchkeepers at Prawle Point spotted a speedboat with apparent engine failure half a mile off Prawle Point and informed Brixham Coastguard. They also gave details of a passing multihull yacht. Brixham Coastguard called her up and asked the skipper if he could go to the assistance of the speedboat. The speedboat was then towed back to Salcombe by the yacht.

13.03.11
A dive boat, Totnes Diver 1, reported by radio that two of its divers were overdue. The Prawle Point watchkeepers spotted the two divers in the water and reported to Brixham Coastguard that they had them visual off the Mewstone near Bolt Head. Salcombe ILB (Inshore Lifeboat) was tasked and the watchkeepers successfully directed the ILB crew to the divers via radio communications. Both divers were recovered unharmed.