TWO people onboard a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) were on Sunday evening rescued by Exmouth's RNLI crew after their vessel suffered power failure off Sandy Bay.

TWO people onboard a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) were on Sunday evening rescued by Exmouth's RNLI crew after their vessel suffered power failure off Sandy Bay.

The two people onboard the boat contacted Portland coastguard by mobile phone to report the stricken vessel.

The vessel was towed back to shore by Exmouth's all-weather lifeboat where the pair onboard the RIB were checked by paramedics because they were suffering from the cold.

Safety advice was given to the pair by Exmouth coastguard rescue officers.

A Portland coastguard spokesperson said: "Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat launched to their assistance but location of the casualty proved problematic due to the lack of VHF, flares and navigation equipment on the RIB.