Post from RNLI

"On Dec 25th, the volunteer Exmouth RNLI lifeboat crew raised the alarm with H.M Coastguard as it became apparent that an incident was unfolding involving people in difficulty in the water at Budleigh Salterton. Alongside volunteers from Torbay and Teignmouth RNLI, we began responding at around 10am on Christmas day to assist in the multi-agency incident that followed.

RNLI lifeboat crews were involved in the recovery of one person from the water and continued to search throughout the day for two people understood to still be in the water. All lifeboat crew were stood down by the Coastguard around 5pm, when they returned to stations.

Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by the incident and the family and friends of the two people who are missing. Thank you to all RNLI volunteers, and members of other emergency services who responded yesterday.

Conditions at sea were extremely difficult and cold for the crew involved in the search who were out all day. Thank you also for those supporting back at the station including shore crew and those supplying hot drinks and sandwiches, it was appreciated."

NCI Exmouth, informed HMCG that we had CCTV, and continued to assist in the search, our thoughts are also with the families of those affected.

09.25 A report received from a Member of the Public of a yacht dragging its anchor in the estuary up river in direction of Starcross pier.

09.30 NCI advised the Harbour Master who will take necessary action.

12.49 A Call was received from a paddleboarder to report his board lost in rough seas.

12.54 Advised HMCG in case board found and false alarm raised.

NFA

11.55 A Member of Public requested NCI assistance as a woman had collapsed below the watchtower.

12.00 Ruth our watchkeeper, also a nurse attended and assessed situation. Ambulance had been called but no ETZ

12.10 HMCG informed and responders attended scene.

12.25 Ambulance in attendance to help with casualty.

10.35 NCI recieved a report of yacht dragging its moorings and half sunk, NCI located stricken vessel on ESC CCTV.
10.37 NCI Reported to the Harbour Master, who requested that NCI advise Exeter Port Authority, where message left.

11.55 A report received from S&R and subsequently HMCG of unidentified object in water off Pole Sands
12.10 NCI were unable to locate on optics and CCTV
12.26 NCI advised HMCG no sightings and nothing unusual.

At 14.40 NCI watchkepers were maintaining observation on a struggling wingsurfer, but not in difficulty, in windy conditions
At 15.05 Following a call from a concerned member of public, HMCG requested an update
At 15.10 NCI watchkeepers were able to confirm that the wingsurfer was safely ashore.