- The lifeboat reported missing on Wednesday washed ashore in Devon on Sunday morning
- Coastguard and lifeboat teams secured the vessel and removed the onboard equipment
- Authorities confirmed no people were involved in the incident
A lifeboat that went missing from a cargo ship earlier in the week was found on Sidmouth Beach, Devon, on Sunday. HM Coastguard said it was alerted to the discovery at around 07:30 GMT. The lifeboat had been reported missing on Wednesday after being swept from a cargo ship operating in the French side of the English Channel.
Recovery Operation Underway
Coastguard teams had been monitoring the lifeboat’s drift but were unsure where it would come ashore. The Beer Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to secure the vessel and safely deal with flares found onboard. Due to concerns over the rising evening tide, a decision was taken to recover the lifeboat before it could be damaged or break apart.
Lifeboat Moved to Safety
The Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and Royal National Lifeboat Institution teams assisted in moving the lifeboat using tractors and a winch. The vessel was relocated above the tide line at the Clifton slipway, where onboard equipment was removed and stored securely. Rescue teams confirmed that there were no injuries or missing persons associated with the incident.
Authorities Notified
HM Coastguard said Devon and Cornwall Police, the Receiver of Wreck, and the Environment Agency have all been informed. The lifeboat is expected to be collected and removed from the beach by the relevant authorities in due course.
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Source – Marine Insight
