BUDE Lifeboat was recently requested to launch on July 6, despite failing light, to assist in the search for a missing person.

Following two previous shouts, the lifeboat was called out at around 9.30pm, with the crew, Liam Sharpe, Mark Palmer, Charlie Green and Gavin Goatcher, working closely with Bude Coastguard, completing a shoreline search from Northcott to Compass Point. Having completed the search, the RNLI lifeboat returned to station in darkness and an increasing swell.

Despite the late hour, many of Bude’s crew responded to the page request and volunteered to assist in the search.

The lifeboat crew carried additional equipment, allowing them to operate in the dark, and worked closely together to safely navigate back to shore.

This particular shout was also the first for shore crew member, Mim Spettigue, who has now completed her initial training and is waiting to complete her full tractor soft track training.

Mim said: “I joined the lifeboat crew a few months ago, having spent a couple of years as a WAG. During this time, I’ve witnessed, admired and respected the crew’s camaraderie; the job they do is completely voluntary and inspirational, and I wanted to contribute towards saving lives at sea.

“I responded to the pager in order to assist the crew with launching, refuelling and cleaning the lifeboat when it returned. I’m still in training, but it was a great opportunity to accompany Jeff and Kila on the launch.”

The station was pleased to hear that the missing person was found safe and well the following morning.