At 11:10am on Sunday, 24 August 2025, Exmouth RNLI was tasked to assist a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) experiencing engine trouble near Sandy Bay.
The Exmouth RNLI all-weather Shannon lifeboat, 13-03 R and J Welburn, was launched promptly to the 5-metre vessel drifting dangerously close to rockswas being blown dangerously close to rocks. The inshore lifeboat, D-805 George Bearman II, was also launched and stood by in case the Shannon lifeboat couldn’t reach the casualty vessel.
After assessing the situation, the crew decided to tow the RIB to safety. The vessel was successfully towed back to her mooring.
With the first casualty vessel safely moored, both lifeboats were stood down. The ALB returned to her wet mooring, and the ILB headed back to the boathouse.
However, as the ILB neared Maer Rocks, the crew spotted another RIB with engine failure. The situation was referred to HM Coastguard, and it was agreed that this second vessel should also be towed, this time back to its mooring in the Marina.