Speedboat sinks in River Exe near Turf Locks; Exmouth RNLI responds

At 5.18pm on Saturday 13 August, following multiple 999 calls, H.M. Coastguard requested the crew of Exmouth inshore lifeboat D-805 George Bearman II to attend the River Exe off Turf Locks where a 22ft speedboat was reportedly in serious difficulty and sinking.

The inshore lifeboat crew launched at 5.23pm and quickly made its way to the vessel that had completely sunk on their arrival. Given the situation they requested the assistance of their sister all weather lifeboat.

At 5.35pm Exmouth RNLI All Weather Lifeboat 13-03 R & J Welburn launched and made its way to the location of the incident, described as close to buoy 35 on the river, where they joined their colleagues.

The lifesavers were quickly able to establish that all occupants of the vessel were safely accounted for and set about raising the speedboat that had sunk in a main navigation channel and judged to be a risk to other water users.

At 5.52pm the lifesavers succeeded in re-floating the vessel and the inshore lifeboat began towing it out of the navigation lane and to the safety of Belshers Slipway, Exmouth.

On completion of the tasking both lifeboats were stood down and returned to Exmouth Lifeboat Station where they were back on service shortly afterwards.