RNLI Salcombe are thrilled to announce that Mr Mark Dowie has taken on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager, replacing Simon Evans since Wednesday, November 1.

This voluntary, but vital role covers responsibility for the station, boats, crew and operations whilst working closely with Chris Winzar, the Lifeboat Coxswain.

Mark has had a wealth of experience from being a Naval Officer, a banker, co-owner of the Yeoward & Dowie boatyard and Devon Marine Fuels businesses in Salcombe and Dartmouth.

He is a keen sailor, with significant maritime and management experience to draw on.

Looking to the future in his new role, Mark has already expressed a desire to ensure the Salcombe Lifeboats 150th anniversary in 2019 does not go unnoticed.

Over the past four years, Simon has come to the end of a very successful period as LOM and has left the station having made a significant contribution over the last four years. He will remain on the team as a Deputy Launching Authority.

He played a major role in organising the 2016 Centenary Commemorations of the Salcombe Lifeboat Disaster that took place in 1916.

This year has been a busy year thus far for the volunteer crews of the Salcombe Lifeboat; there have been 59 emergencies, several of which have been lifesaving and high profile callouts.

The crew have also recently featured in the BBC’s documentary ‘Saving Lives at Sea’.