Lifeboat involved in two weekend rescue missions

Sidmouth Lifeboat was called into action twice in as many days this weekend to assist in two rescue operations.

At 2.40pm yesterday (Sunday), the lifeboat was launched to attend a casualty with suspected spinal injuries at Littlecombe Shoot, near Branscombe.

Two members of the crew, including a paramedic, were first on the scene and located the injured person about 150 metres up the cliff path.

A second boat – Speedy Sid - was also launched to support the handling of the casualty.

Given the steep access, the decision was made to request a helicopter winch and transfer the casualty to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Sidmouth and Beer coastguard teams also attended the callout.

The lifeboat was also launched on Saturday (July 18) at 4.19pm to assist air ambulance and coastguard teams with the evacuation of a female who had fallen at Weston Beach and was reported as being unconscious.

A member of the crew was put ashore to assess the situation and advised aircrew that evacuation by lifeboat would be a last resort as sea conditions made getting a stretcher to the boat very difficult.

The team stayed with the casualty until she was airlifted out.

Sidmouth Lifeboat is on the lookout for more volunteers.

Phil said: “Anyone under the age of 45 who may be interested in joining the friendly and committed crew, particularly if they are available to respond to callouts in the working day, visit our website or drop in.

“No experience is necessary, just reasonable fitness and common sense.”

Full training takes about a year to complete and is provided on Tuesday evening and alternate Sunday morning training sessions.