Baltic Exchange has a long history of association with the RNLI. Since 1962, a close relationship has existed between the Baltic and Salcombe Lifeboat Station, resulting in the sponsorship of three lifeboats over the last 63 years. The current lifeboat, The Baltic Exchange III, is a 16-metre Tamar class all-weather lifeboat (ALB), and has served since 2008. She is capable of going to sea in any conditions, has a range of 250 nautical miles at 25 knots, and carries a crew of seven.

Steve Walter spent 35 years in the City of London working as a commodity broker on the London Metal Exchange and, since retiring, serves as sea-going crew on the lifeboat. Here is an update on the summer’s call-outs so far for the boat that carries our name, The Baltic Exchange III.

With the summer tourist season now in full swing, it has been a busy time for the Salcombe lifeboat station and the crew of the Baltic Exchange III. Here is a summary of some of the shouts we have been involved in over recent weeks.

Falmouth Coastguard requested the launch of the Salcombe ALB (all-weather lifeboat, Baltic Exchange III) to assist a 52-foot yacht that was without power or steering approximately 1.5 nautical miles south-west of Bolt Tail, with two people on board. Upon assessment at the scene, it was determined that the yacht should be towed to the safety of Salcombe Harbour.

The following day, Salcombe ALB was tasked in response to multiple emergency calls concerning a 30-foot yacht with a single occupant in distress off Bolberry Down. Upon arrival and assessment, it was determined that the yacht’s anchor had been inadvertently deployed. With the assistance of the lifeboat crew, the issue was resolved, allowing the yacht to continue its voyage.

The next request for assistance came when the Coastguard asked the ALB to launch alongside Coastguard helicopter Rescue 924 in response to reports of an ‘unregistered’ EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) being activated 18 nautical miles south-south-east of Salcombe. However, after conducting an extensive search and finding no results, both assets were stood down.

On 11 June, the all-weather lifeboat was launched in response to a Pan Pan call from a seven-metre sailing vessel with a single person on board and taking on water, 36 nautical miles south-east of Salcombe. Upon arrival at the scene, a crew member from the lifeboat was transferred to the yacht and established a tow to bring the vessel safely back to Salcombe Harbour. Once ashore, the individual, who was very cold, wet and exhausted, was made comfortable.

The ALB was requested to launch by Falmouth Coastguard following a Pan Pan call from a 44-foot yacht located nine to ten miles east of Prawle Point. The vessel, which had a single occupant, was experiencing steering difficulties. With the assistance of the lifeboat crew, the yacht was safely escorted into Salcombe Harbour, using its own power and emergency steering.

Following a Pan Pan call picked up by Falmouth Coastguard, the Baltic Exchange III was tasked to assist a Dutch sailing vessel with two people on board reporting a fouled propeller and stern gear entangled in discarded fishing nets. Upon arrival, the yacht was found to be drifting freely with significant netting around its propeller. The casualty vessel was subsequently taken under tow and returned to Salcombe Harbour.