Exmouth firefighters save four from Exeter weir

Exmouth firefighters saved four people after their rowing boat got caught on the weir at Exeter Quay on Sunday (6 August).

Crews from Exeter and a specialist rescue team from Exmouth were called to the scene just after 12.30pm.

Using a powered boat, Exmouth firefighters rescued the four individuals and brought them back to dry land uninjured.

'Lucky escape'

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Four people enjoying the River Exe in a rowing boat, down at the Quay in Exeter, had a lucky escape after becoming caught on the weir. 

"Crews from our Exeter stations at Danes Castle and Middlemoor were mobilised, together with one of our specialist rescue teams from Exmouth, along with specialist officers.

"On arrival of our initial crews they confirmed the boat, which was pivoting on the weir, was stable and still had all occupants in it.

"Safe systems of work were implemented, including a team deployed downstream with throw lines, in case the boat capsized, awaiting the arrival of our specialist rescue team from Exmouth with their powered boat. 

"Once Exmouth arrived on scene their powered boat was deployed and sent over to rescue the occupants safely, bringing them back to dry land, uninjured."