Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew members launched their inshore lifeboat this morning following a 999 call reporting a kitesurfer in difficulty off the East Devon shoreline.

At 11.38am today Thursday 15 April 2021 Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II was launched having been tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a report of a kitesurfer struggling and apparently in difficulty. He was sighted between Sandy Bay and Budleigh Beach.

The lifeboat was commandeered by Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew, Scott Ranft, Sarah Beresford and Henry Mock. Shore crew were Neil Cannon, Andy Stott and Nick Wright.

The lifesavers immediately commenced a search of the area surrounding the last sighting of the kitesurfer but were stood down 12.28pm when it was established by the Coastguard that the casualty had apparently self recovered and was safe and well.

The lifeboat made its way back to the Lifeboat Station where it was back on service a short time later.

RNLI surfsport safety advice can be downloaded here.