Both RNLI boats were sent out to rescue a broken-down yacht suffering engine failure on the River Exe yesterday afternoon.

At 3.34pm on Sunday (October 29), the Coastguard requested the launch of the inshore lifeboat following a report of a yacht with engine failure on the river, around 300 metres east of Starcross. The vessel had one person on board.

The crew were on scene with the casualty vessel within a few minutes and assessed the situation. The all weather lifeboat stood by near to the scene to assist where able. The weather was wet and windy and the sea state rough.

The volunteers on the inshore lifeboat then towed the yacht to its mooring assisted by a crew member from the all weather lifeboat. Once the yacht was safely secured, the casualty was transferred on to the all weather lifeboat and taken to Exmouth Marina. He was uninjured and required no medical assistance.

Having successfully completed the tasking, the volunteers were stood down by the Coastguard at about 4.50pm and the lifeboats were then made ready for service a short time later.