At 10.32pm on Saturday (24 June), HM Coastguard tasked the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat to conduct a search in the area of Starcross and the River Exe following numerous sightings of red distress flares in that vicinity.

The lifeboat launched at 10.40pm and made best speed to the location where they commenced a thorough search in the vicinity for any vessels or persons in distress.

The search included the Dawlish Warren coastline, from Cockwood Harbour to the River Exe up to no 18 buoy and from the River Exe Café to Starcross Ferry pontoon.

Following a comprehensive search with nothing being found, and the RNLI volunteers satisfied that no one was at risk or in danger, HM Coastguard stood down the operation at 11.46pm.

The lifeboat returned to Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Station where it was back on service at 00.33am.