Monday, 11 May 2026, at 13:05hrs HM Coastguard tasked Exmouth RNLI’s all weather lifeboat, R & J Welburn, to a 10m motor launch with 3 persons on board that had broken down in the middle of Lyme Bay, 25 nautical miles south of Lyme Regis.
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew quickly launched the lifeboat and made best speed to the location. A commercial fishing vessel, which was in the vicinity of the casualty vessel, was standing by ensuring they were okay and aiding communication with the Coastguard. The lifeboat, on arrival, established they were without power and drifting towards the shipping lanes, requiring assistance to get to a safe haven. The casualties welfare was checked and the vessel, at the request of the skipper, was taken under tow to Torquay marina. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station where it was washed down, fuelled and made ready for the next shout.