Exmouth’s newly-blessed all-weather lifeboat swung into action to rescue a teenager shortly after a service to officially open the multi-million pound RNLI boathouse.

Francis Marshall, 15, was injured two miles out to sea when the mast of a catamaran hit him, cutting his head.

The teenager had been picked up by a passing Customs cutter while the catamaran was taken under tow by a passing fishing boat until the injured teenager and a passenger could be transferred to the newly-blessed lifeboat, Margaret Jean.

The teenager’s father Mick Marshall, from Exmouth, said: “My son received a few stitches to his head but is alright now.

“I’d like to thank all those involved in helping him, including the people on the Customs boat and the RNLI.”

An RNLI spokeswoman said: “Andy Smith, lifeboatman and paramedic, went on board the ship to assess the casualty.

“They were then transferred to the newly-blessed all-weather lifeboat using the Customs rigid inflatable boat.

“The guests at the opening ceremony saw the casualty brought ashore at Exmouth lifeboat station and reunited with his waiting parents.

“He was taken to hospital by ambulance.”

The all-weather lifeboat was blessed by Reverend Stephen Hoyle.

Both lifeboats were launched to give guests a demonstration of a mock rescue – but minutes later the visitors were shown the real deal when the crew sprang into action to rescue the injured teenager.