RNLI Clovelly to feature on BBC’s Saving Lives at Sea

Clovelly RNLI, part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) lifesaving efforts, will feature in the upcoming ninth series of the BBC documentary series Saving Lives at Sea.

Set to air on April 16, this episode promises viewers a thrilling glimpse into the courageous work of the volunteer lifeboat crew as they face the relentless fury of Storm Mathis along the South West coast of the UK.

In the featured episode, viewers will witness a rescue mission undertaken by the Clovelly RNLI amidst 50 miles per hour winds.

With the South West coastline being battered by the storm, the volunteer crew from Appledore RNLI had been initially called upon to aid a distressed lone yachtsman whose vessel had lost power and sustained damage to its sails. 

Two RNLI volunteer crews from Appledore and Clovelly and the Coastguard helicopter from Newquay were needed to complete the rescue.

Appledore’s all-weather lifeboat crew launched at 4.40am into darkness and Gale Force 9 conditions – including 6-metre-high waves.

Volunteers onboard Clovelly’s inshore lifeboat later transferred the sailor from the boat to safety.

The exact position of the yacht was initially unclear, with 999 maritime call operators hearing the distress call but not the location.

So the helicopter crew was dispatched to search, while shore-based coastguard teams on the Island of Lundy kept a lookout and spotted a light. The helicopter soon located the floundering vessel and the lifeboat crew.

The yacht’s sails were completely torn but, despite the terrible conditions, Appledore’s crew managed to attach a tow rope to the yacht with the aim of reaching the shelter of Bideford Bay.

The strain of the rough conditions parted the tow rope twice before they reached calmer water off the coast of Clovelly.

After the tow broke for the second time, Clovelly inshore lifeboat crew launched as the safest option was to anchor the yacht and take the sailor off.

"It's fantastic to see our station featured on such a popular television show," said Suzi Marsh, press officer at Clovelly RNLI. 

"Our volunteers work hard all year round to train and save lives at sea, but this rescue was particularly dramatic. The footage captured by our helmet cams shows just how bad the conditions were that day - it really puts into perspective what our volunteers can face when the pagers sound. We hope that our little moment in the spotlight will help to highlight how important the RNLI is to the local community."

It was also RNLI Clovelly’s first time appearing on the series. 

The documentary series, which sheds light on the extraordinary efforts of RNLI crews and lifeguards, provides a captivating insight into their day-to-day operations.

Over the past year, filmmakers have shadowed the lifeboat crews and lifeguards, capturing their heroic deeds and the challenges they face in their mission to save lives. 

From dramatic rescues to heartwarming reunions, the series encapsulates the dedication and bravery of the men and women who selflessly devote their time to protecting others.

Saving Lives at Sea airs on BBC Two and iPlayer at 8pm on Tuesdays, offering audiences an immersive experience into the world of RNLI lifesavers. 

With Clovelly RNLI at the forefront of this episode, viewers can expect riveting footage captured on helmet and boat cameras, providing a firsthand perspective of the perilous rescues undertaken by these heroes.