The Exmouth all-weather lifeboat, Margaret Jean was tasked at 5.59pm on Thursday 2 August following emergency calls to Portland Coastguard. There had been sightings of a yacht in difficulties to the east of Otter Ledge at Budleigh Salterton.

One of the calls to the coastguard had been from the Skipper’s partner who had reported that he was suffering from severe sea-sickness and needed assistance. Another call had reported the yacht ‘spinning around in circles’ in the south-west  force four wind in choppy sea conditions.

Volunteer Deputy Launching Authority, Peter Thomas describes the scene:

‘The Margaret Jean reached the casualty which was anchored very close in to the shore in shallow and rocky waters. It was also a lee shore, so he was in a potentially serious situation.’

Exmouth RNLI Coxswain, Tim Mock added:

‘The all-weather lifeboat passed a tow line to the casualty but the anchor was fouled into the rocks and was not recoverable. Volunteer crewman Andy Williams cut the chain once the tow rope was secured and the lifeboat hauled the yacht into deeper water.’

The casualty, a local man was brought ashore at 7.45pm, recovering soon after reaching dry land. His yacht was towed back to its mooring at Shelly Beach.