Minehead Lifeboat Training Turns Real as Couple and Dogs Rescued
A couple and their dogs were rescued from a beach during a lifeboat training exercise in Minehead, highlighting the crew’s quick response.
Minehead, RNLI, Rescue, Lifeboat, Dogs, Coastguard
Rajinder Webber, the helmswoman, launched the lifeboat at 6:30 PM. She was with trainer Lyle Stantiford from Poole, Dorset. They were assessing her skills when the call came in.
Minutes later, they were sent to St Audries Bay. Two people and their dogs were trapped by the tide near a waterfall. The second lifeboat was also launched to help.
When they arrived, a rescue swimmer went to reassure the trapped individuals. Both lifeboats waited for the tide to change, which took about an hour.
As conditions improved, Rajinder skillfully landed the smaller D-Class lifeboat. They safely got the couple and their dogs off the beach.
The group was then moved to the larger Atlantic 85 lifeboat. They were taken to Watchet Harbour, where a Coastguard team was ready to assist.
An RNLI spokesperson noted this was Rajinder’s first real rescue. She was being assessed when the emergency occurred.
Lyle praised her for handling the stressful situation well. David Smith, the launch authority, emphasized the importance of flexibility in their role.
Minehead’s RNLI crew has been busy this January, with three callouts already.