At 2.20pm on Saturday 30 July, the crew of Exmouth inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II attended to an out-of-control motorboat with engine failure off Exmouth seafront that was likely to be a hazard to water users.

The volunteer lifesavers, who were at Exmouth Lifeboat Station about to go on exercise, launched immediately and went to the aid of the vessel that was seen to be drifting towards an area occupied by swimmers. They assessed the situation and decided that the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to safety.

Having secured a tow line, the lifesavers escorted the boat to the safety of Mamhead Slipway, Exmouth where it was recovered at shortly after 3pm.

The lifeboat crew then stood down and resumed their training exercise.

Exmouth RNLI volunteer lifesavers who took part in the assignment were: Inshore Lifeboat: Helm Harry Griffin, Geoff Mills, Ed Thomas.

Other volunteers involved were Deputy Launch Authority Rob Anderson, Shore Crew and Head Launcher Jake Richards, Tractor Driver Robert Thompson.

RNLI safety advice regarding motor boating can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating

If you find yourself in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, you should always call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.