A man’s body has been recovered from the Exe Estuary after a search by rescuers.

Exmouth Journal: The RAF search and rescue helicopter lands at Pier Head during the missing person search on Monday night. Picture by Exmouth Coastguard.The RAF search and rescue helicopter lands at Pier Head during the missing person search on Monday night. Picture by Exmouth Coastguard. (Image: Archant)

The search began at approximately 6.30pm yesterday evening, when police were informed of a man who had gone missing in the Dawlish area.

Police conducted a search of the coastline, with coastguard rescue teams from Exmouth, Teignmouth and Torbay, two lifeboats from Exmouth and Teignmouth, and an RAF search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor.

Rescuers searched the land and sea areas from Langstone Rock to the River Exe.

At approximately 8.40pm the Exmouth Inshore Lifeboat found the body of a man in the sea, believed to be the missing man.

His next of kin have been informed.

Exmouth Coastguard station officer Paul Howell said: “After a very intensive search a casualty was located by the Exmouth Inshore Lifeboat, 50 metres offshore in the Spinnakers Beach area, to the west of Exmouth Marina in the River Exe.

“The casualty was recovered to Exmouth Marina by crews from Exmouth and Teignmouth lifeboats, whilst the RAF Search and Rescue helicopter landed on Exmouth Pier Head with paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service HART Team.

“Coastguard rescue officers, lifeboat crews and the HART paramedics performed extensive CPR on the casualty without success.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the gentleman at this very difficult time.”