Exmouth RNLI were tasked on Thursday evening (12 January) to search for a missing kitesurfer off Exmouth seafront.

At 5.20pm both Exmouth RNLI lifeboats, the all weather Shannon lifeboat 13-12 Cosandra and the inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II, were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to attend a report of a missing kitesurfer off Exmouth seafront.

The launch was authorised by RNLI Deputy Launch Authority, Rob Vince, at 5.22pm.

A lengthy and detailed search commenced of the area by the volunteer crew of both vessels who were stood down at 7.40pm when the kitesurfer called the Coastguard to confirm they were safe and well after hearing a rescue search was in progress.