The volunteer crew at Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station had a busy afternoon yesterday, Saturday, August 1 when they were tasked to two assignments within an hour of each other.

The first emergency was at 2.13pm after a request from HM Coastguard to attend a report of a dog that had fallen from the cliffs at Budleigh Salterton just east of the River Otter mouth.

Exmouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat 'Peggy D' launched a few moments later commanded by Helm, Scott Ranft, and crew Henry Mock and Dave Preece.

They were tasked to assist the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team in the recovery of the animal that had fallen some distance down the cliff face.

The lifeboat made its way to the scene but sadly the dog had died as a result of its injuries.

Helm, Scott Ranft, said "It is vital when walking along cliff tops with dogs to always keep your pet under control on a short lead and stay well away from cliff edges. If your dog does fall down a cliff, do not attempt to retrieve it yourself but call 999 and ask for HM Coastguard."

At 3.18pm on Saturday Exmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat, Bridie O'Shea, was launched following a request from HM Coastguard to assist the crew of a 10m yacht approximately 12 miles out across Lyme Bay who were reporting an engine malfunction.

The lifeboat launched at 3.30pm under the command of Coxswain, Roy Stott, Mechanic Andy Stott, and volunteer crew Scott Ranft, David Preece and Robert Thompson and immediately made its way to the location of the vessel.

On their arrival at the yacht it became clear that the mechanical difficulties reported had been rectified to the satisfaction of the lifeboat crew and the vessel was able to make its own way to Brixham harbour without further incident.

The lifeboat then returned to Exmouth where it was back on service a short time later.