Two Exmouth RNLI lifeboats were launched to investigate an Emergency Beacon which had been activated in the River Exe area yesterday.

At 4.29pm yesterday (May 4) Exmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat 13-33 Bridie O'Shea was launched after a request by H.M. Coastguard to investigate an Emergency Beacon activation in the area.

The lifeboat launched at 4.51pm under the command of Coxswain Steve Hockings-Thompson and volunteer crew members, and immediately went to the area as advised by the Coastguard and started a search along the coastline between Exmouth and Torquay.

Due to the imprecise nature of the beacon activation, H.M. Coastguard issued an additional request to launch Exmouth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat D755 Peggy D at 5.07pm.

The vessel was launched at 5.15pm under the command of Helm, Henry Mock and was on scene at 5.20pm, having been tasked to commence a search of the River Exe area.

The lifeboats were assisted during the operation by Teignmouth RNLI and an H.M. Coastguard Helicopter.

After an extensive search by both RNLI lifeboats, no vessel was found in distress and the activation of the beacon is believed to have been accidentally set off on land.

Both lifeboats returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where they were back on service by 7.30pm.