Exmouth RNLI volunteers launched inshore lifeboat George Bearman at 6.41pm on 2 July following a call to the lifeboat station. A six metre powerboat had broken down and was drifting towards the rocks at Straight Point.

Kevin Riley, Lifeboat Operations Manager authorised the launch of the D class lifeboat with three crew volunteers to assist the broken down powerboat. Once on scene, a tow line was attached to the vessel and the Bayliner was towed back into the river Exe and placed on the pontoon at Starcross with the owner.

Kevin commented:

‘In this case, fortunately for him there was someone at the station to take the call. We recommend that people contact the Coastguard by calling 999 immediately if they have a problem, preferably by VHF radio. This will expedite the request for assistance as mobile phones can’t be guaranteed to work at sea.’