14 Jan 2026

Possible Unexploded Bomb Dredged

Situation resolved 7am, Friday 16th - Thank you to the emergency services

The Devon and Cornwall force said teams were at Exmouth Marina "after a suspected unexploded ordnance was dredged out of the water".

Officers had set up a 100m cordon and properties were being evacuated. A bomb disposal team had been alerted.

Exmouth resident John Cameron said police had been knocking on doors within the cordon, advising people to evacuate their properties.

Before the evacuation, he could see the dredger in the marina, with a large object about 3 or 4ft in length and 2ft in diameter onboard the vessel.

Devon and Cornwall Police said LED Exmouth Leisure Centre, on Imperial Road, was available for anyone being displaced who needed somewhere to go.

We know a 400m cordon is in place in Exmouth after an unexploded wartime device was found during routine dredging

An East Devon District Council (EDDC) FAQ page says 5,000 people and 2,000 properties are thought to be affected by the discovery on Wednesday.

It says military advice is clear and those living within 400m of the device "need to evacuate".

A bomb disposal team from the Midlands has been deployed to Exmouth, according to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and they arrived in the seaside Devon town at about 19:25 GMT on Wednesday.

5 Jan 2026

NCI Lottery

National Coastwatch Institution

Everyone’s a winner! New lottery launch.

Today, ahead of Volunteers Week, we’re launching our new National Coastwatch lottery that brings you a chance of winning £25,000 every week 👏🌟

We’ll win too because our charity will receive at least 50% of all the money from entries to help support the work of our 2,800-plus volunteers at our 60 coastal stations who keep a daily coastal watch for anyone in danger.

Operated by Unity Lottery, entry into the draw just costs £1 and the draws take place every Friday with a 1 in 69 chance of winning three numbers.

It couldn’t be easier to enter for your chance to win big and support us too!

Thank you 👇

Scan the QR code on the image or go to:

https://www.unitylottery.co.uk/.../national-coastwatch.../

21 Dec 2025

Missing lifeboat washes up

A story from the BBC (Link below)

A lifeboat that washed off a cargo ship has come ashore on a Devon beach.

HM Coastguard said teams were first alerted to the container ship lifeboat at Sidmouth Beach at about 07:30 GMT on Sunday.

It said the lifeboat had previously been reported as missing from a known cargo ship on Wednesday and teams had been tracking it since but were unaware of where it was going to wash up.

Beer Coastguard Rescue Team was sent to help secure the lifeboat and safely dispose of its flares until it was recovered.The lifeboat has been recovered and secured above the tide line

A team from the Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, which was also called out, said with the evening tide posing "real risk" of the vessel being broken up over night, a decision was made to recover it and secure it above the tide line.

It said the crew used its winch tractor to move the vessel to a safe and accessible location at the Clifton slipway.

"A big thank you to everyone involved for the swift cooperation and teamwork," added Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat.

Devon and Cornwall Police, the Receiver of Wreck and the Environment Agency have also been made aware, HM Coastguard said.

Full Story >>

17 Dec 2025

Do you know this vessel?

Can you please help?

Do you know the owner of this vessel? It is anchored on the reed beds between Topsham and the M5 bridge. Position below.

50°41.183'N

003°28.420'W

Please note that there is no name visible on the hull.

Could the owner of the vessel, or if you know who the owner is please get in touch with the EPA as soon as possible office. Tel: 01395 223 265 email: epa@exeter.gov.uk

9 Dec 2025

Stronger Together

Stronger Together: Building Safer Coasts Through Station Collaboration

This week marked an exciting milestone for our team as we welcomed two neighbouring stations to join us for a dedicated collaboration day focused on coastal water safety. Bringing our watchkeepers together wasn’t just an opportunity to put faces to names—it was a chance to share ideas, compare experiences, and strengthen the support network that keeps our coastline safe.

From the moment everyone arrived, the room was buzzing with conversation. Each station works in its own unique environment, and hearing how others tackle challenges we may never encounter ourselves was both eye-opening and inspiring. Likewise, we were able to share the approaches and systems we’ve developed here—many of which are now helping other stations refine their own ways of working.

These sessions are more than just informative; they’re a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger. By pooling our knowledge, we’re not only improving our own effectiveness but also shaping a more resilient and connected coastal safety network. It’s encouraging to see our efforts leading the way, and we’re proud to be pioneering a model of cooperation that benefits everyone involved.

As we continue to build these relationships, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced across the coastline, and in return, we’ll be able to offer practical support, fresh ideas, and encouragement whenever it’s needed.

Together, we’re making our shores safer—for our teams, for our communities, and for everyone who spends time on the water. And this is only the beginning.

13 Nov 2025

Presentation

Huge thanks to Poltimore WI for their kind donation - and for all their excellent questions - at our Presentation Teams visit in the Village Hall in Poltimore. Really it was the tea and biscuits that made an impression on us!

Thank you for your hospitality.

Dear John and Hugh

Just to say a big thank you for coming to give your presentation and talk about the National Coastwatch Institution. It was lovely to meet with you both.

Your talk and presentation were enjoyed by all and we were all amazed that the charity, which is there to help save lives at sea,  is staffed and managed by volunteers. Your enthusiasm for the charity showed throughout your talk and in the answers given to questions raised by our members. 

I do get asked for recommendations for speakers from other WIs and I will have no hesitation in recommending your talk and presentation in the future.

Once again, many thanks and kind regards.

MW
Poltimore WI

10 Nov 2025

Presentation

NCI Exmouth Presentation Team were invited along to the West Hill Supper Club, which meets on the second Monday of the month for dinner and a speaker.

The group were told about our charity and how our volunteer watchkeepers are an asset of His Majesty's Coastguard. The PowerPoint presentation was well received with lots of questions about the dangers of the Estuary.

Thank you for your hospitality.

A supper club is a dining establishment that also functions as a social club, sometimes with a more traditional, community-based approach like the one in West Hill, and other times as a modern, curated gathering for social connection.

9 Nov 2025

Remembrance Parade

NCI Exmouth were proud to take part in this year’s Remembrance Parade in Exmouth, a moving event that honours the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces past and present. The parade brings the community together to remember those who gave their lives in service, and to show support for veterans and serving personnel. It’s a moment to reflect, pay tribute, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

Photo: Exmouth Journal

25 Oct 2025

Civic Service Reception

Today NCI Exmouth were privileged to be invited along to Holy Trinity Church as part of the Exmouth Town Council Civic Service by the Mayor. We were one of a number of civic organizations and local charities who serve the Exmouth community.

This year the theme was a marine one; with sea shanties and acappella singing all with nautical themes being sung beautifully in church by various groups.

Thank you to Exmouth Town Council.

It was followed by a civic reception with tea and cakes!

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