On 5 July 2025 at 16.31, Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to a disabled yacht reported to be off the mouth of the River Exe. The Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat, D-805 George Bearman II, was swiftly launched with the charity’s relief all-weather lifeboat, 13 40 Eric’s Legend, on standby.
The charity’s volunteer crew aboard the George Bearman II made their way to the casualty vessel which was located just south of Straight Point with three male casualties on board. Sea state was slight to moderate and the Exmouth RNLI crew discovered that the casualties had been unable to restart the engine following its failure. The yacht’s crew had continued to attempt a self-rescue by sailing back to their mooring, but with the effects of seasickness hampering their abilities, they deployed their anchor. Unfortunately, their situation worsened when the anchor became snagged and they had to cut it free.
The Exmouth RNLI volunteer D-class crew of three made a full assessment of the situation and requested the launch of the Exmouth RNLI relief all-weather Shannon class lifeboat to execute a tow of the yacht back to its mooring, as the safest way to assist the casualties.
Once the Exmouth RNLI relief all-weather Shannon arrived on scene, one of the crew from the inshore lifeboat transferred to the casualty vessel to handle the tow back to Starcross.
All three vessels made safe passage to Starcross where the yacht and its three crew were delivered safely. The D-class, George Bearman II, and the Shannon, Eric’s Legend, then returned to Exmouth where they were washed down and refuelled, ready for the next tasking. The incident concluded at 18.55.