RNLI Salcombe launched in sub-zero temperatures to aid injured merchant seaman last week.

The volunteer crew of the RNLI Salcombe all-weather lifeboat launched on Tuesday, February 27, to a 100m merchant vessel with an injured crew member on-board.

A Salcombe RNLI spokesman said: “The vessel was reported to be 15 nautical miles south of Salcombe with a Coastguard Rescue helicopter on scene and their paramedic winchman having been lowered to tend the casualty.

“With the casualty refusing to be transported by helicopter to hospital for further treatment the lifeboat was readied to receive and transfer him, once alongside, both the casualty and winchman were transferred via the pilot ladder.

“The lifeboat crew returned to Salcombe and transferred the casualty to a waiting ambulance for the onward journey to hospital.

“On what was a bitterly cold day our crew, who are well trained and ready to launch in all conditions to help save lives at sea once again showed their professionalism.

“The crew then returned to station, washed the lifeboat down and prepared for service.”