The Shannon class all-weather lifeboat cannot be safely launched from the Lifeboat Station at the moment due to sand buildup, Exmouth RNLI has said.

Despite this, it remains in service and is on a mooring adjacent to the marina.

The D class lifeboat, currently housed in the Lifeboat Station, can also be launched from the beach via the public slipway 150m away.

A spokesperson said: "Preliminary ground investigations have now been completed and designs are being prepared for necessary alterations to the ramp in order to return the all-weather lifeboat to the station, which should be a permanent solution.

"We will complete the work on the ramp in as short a timeframe as possible. However, there are certain factors outside of our control which mean we won't be able to work at certain times – such as high tides, crowds of beach users in late spring/summer, and nesting bird periods over winter.

"The efficacy of the RNLI's lifesaving response at Exmouth will be unaffected while this work takes place and the lifeboats will continue to be on service throughout the year."

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