DURING the successful 2017 Bude Lifeboat Day, one of the many activities to keep crowds amused was the capsize and re-right of an inshore lifeboat.

This is a skill taught to all crews in case the worst should happen, and always brings a large audience to the display on the canal.

This year, however, the event had a surprise ending. When the boat was righted the engine cowling was missing — it had detached itself and quickly sunk into the depths.

Members of Bude Dive Club found out about the missing cowling and offered to help. Two members dropped into the canal to find that even with powerful underwater torches, they really couldn’t see their hands in front of their eyes, let alone search for a small engine cover.

Not to be put off, the members descended into the depths and carried out a planned search of the area. The initial search failed, but during a second attempt the cowling was located, recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

Kat Hardman, a member of Bude Dive Club, who took part in the search, said: “It was a real scary experience dropping down into the canal. The amount of silt in the bottom meant you were laying on a floating, squidgy base that swallowed your arm each time you felt for the cover.”

Andy Squirrell, the club’s secretary and fellow searcher, added: “The canal is a very odd place to dive due to the visibility being less than zero and the silt being so deep. However, being able to help the RNLI in their hour of need was a real privilege as it’s usually them helping others.”

The safe return of the cowling has saved the RNLI around £1,000 in replacement costs.