Meet the Torbay crew

Coxswain

Andrew uses his experience as a clinical psychologist to help those in difficulty.

‘We’re sometimes called to help those who have found themselves at the water’s edge at a time of vulnerability and distress.’

Station Mechanic,  Deputy Coxswain and Navigator

As Station Mechanic, Ash maintains the performance of both our lifeboats.

‘Our Severn Class ALB has a top speed of 25 knots. That can get us to situations far out to sea quickly even in bad weather. Speed and capability - that’s what counts when it comes to saving lives at sea.’

Crew member and Relief Mechanic

Gareth, owner and manager of a garage when not on duty, has been on more than 150 shouts.

‘The water is cold and that can take you by surprise. It’s the first thing we attend to when picking casualties out of the water. Get them warm as fast as possible.’

ALB Crew Member, Navigator and Lifeboat Management Group Chair

Ian makes sure that all our volunteers support one another to Save Lives at Sea.

‘Being supported by the best equipment isn’t enough.  To keep the boat and her crew safe, you need to constantly scan the surrounding area.’

Crew member

Iona, a doctor when not on duty, is one of three trained medics in our crew.

‘There is a pulse! It was a moment of extreme relief. I shall never forget it. It was my first shout’

Crew member, Relief Mechanic and ILB Helm

Jack has appeared on Saving Lives at Sea and as well as assisting people, has also rescued of a fair few grateful pets.

‘Not just people - animals get in trouble too. It’s very rewarding, especially when you see these animals returned safely to their owners.’

Deputy Coxswain

James, a financial advisor, is trained to command and drive our Severn class ALB.

‘I’m helping bring home loved ones, for loved ones at home. It’s the thought I always hold on to when things get tricky.’

Crew member

Julian is fleet manager for six fishing vessels when not on duty.

‘We get called out to a lot of situations. And they vary considerably. That’s why we train often and hard.’

ILB Helm

Luke is trained to command our D-class ILB.

'You’re not the first. And you won’t be the last! Anybody can get caught out and nobody should feel foolish asking for help.’

Lifeboat Operations Manager

Nick is responsible for the operational effectiveness of our crew, equipment and all our operational support volunteers.

‘Its lives lived that really counts. Think about the lives that have happened because of what our crew have done.’

Second Coxswain

Richard is trained to command and drive our Severn class ALB.

‘The look on her face was one of utter relief. We had arrived to a mother and children on a stricken yacht. It was one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve been involved in.’

Crew member and ILB Helm

In his 12 years at Torbay there have been over 1200 shouts -  many of which have involved Sam.

‘Thank God you’re here! It may be a cliché, but these are typically the first words we hear when arriving to assist a casualty.’

Lifeboat Visits Officer

Carol is responsible for hosting guided tours of the lifeboat and station.

‘I want to inspire them to become future members of a lifeboat crew. That’s my objective when I show a school group around our lifeboats.’

Fundraising Chair

Peter leads a team of over 30 volunteers who manage our shops and organise events.

‘Those extra few quid could be the difference that saves a life! That’s what drives our fundraisers to put that extra effort in.’