Exmouth RNLI volunteers launched their all weather lifeboat this evening following a mayday call from a yacht reporting a man fallen overboard.

At 7.53pm today (Thursday 13 July), HM Coastguard requested the launch of Exmouth RNLI all weather Shannon lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn following a report that a man had fallen overboard from a sailing vessel two miles south of Exmouth.

The lifeboat launched at 8.01pm and quickly made its way to the last known location of the incident. 

En route the lifeboat crew was informed that the man had been safely recovered to the yacht. The lifesavers made contact with the vessel and the casualty who did not require any further assistance.

Satisfied that the vessel and its occupants were safe and secure, HM Coastguard cancelled the mayday and stood down the lifeboat crew from the tasking.

The all weather lifeboat returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where it was back on service a short time later.