Exmouth RNLI volunteers launched their inshore lifeboat this afternoon to go to the aid of a motor vessel broken down off Exmouth Beach.

At 2.30pm today, Saturday 8th July 2023, Exmouth RNLI launched their D-Class inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II following reports from the occupants of a vessel off Exmouth Beach that they had suffered engine problems due to overheating and were no longer able to make headway against the tide.

The lifeboat, commanded by Helm, Harry Griffin and crew Ed Thomas and Charles Swales, launched at once and quickly made contact with the crew of the vessel at 2.45pm. They assessed the situation and it was clear that the boat was no longer able to make progress independently and it posed a risk to its occupants and other water users in the vicinity. A decision was made for the lifeboat crew to expedite an alongside tow that was secured at 2.54pm at which point the boat was then escorted by the RNLI volunteers to the safety of a mooring in Shelley Gut by 3.24pm.

Satisfied that the vessel and its occupants were safe and secure, the inshore lifeboat crew returned to the lifeboat station and the lifeboat was back on service a short time later.

Detailed RNLI advice on yacht safety and motorboating can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating