Dramatic rescue in 40mph winds on River Exe


Two wind surfers were rescued by a lifeboat crew in choppy waters on the River Exe. It came as Devon was battered by rain and strong winds yesterday (Sunday, September 29).

The Exmouth RNLI was alerted at around 6pm after the surfers got into trouble in the water. The volunteer crew rushed into action and ventured out through the turbulent weather conditions.

The wind speed was around 40mph at the time and there was a challenging breaking surf for them to navigate. However, the crew managed to locate the casualties and bring them into the safety of the lifeboat.

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Both surfers were unharmed in the incident and were taken to shore. The crew eventually returned to the station at 6.50pm.

The lifeboat crew batted choppy waters to rescue the surfers
The lifeboat crew batted choppy waters to rescue the surfers -Credit:RNLI Exmouth on Facebook

RNLI Exmouth said in a post on Facebook: "At 18.02 today H.M. Coastguard requested the launch of the Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew and lifeboat to reports of two wind surfers in trouble on the River Exe.

"The ILB D-805 George Bearman II with three volunteer crew onboard launched at 18.11 in very poor weather conditions, with 35 knot winds and challenging breaking surf, and made its way to the reported location of the casualties.

"They were quickly able to make contact with both casualties and bring them into the safety of the lifeboat. Luckily both were unharmed and our volunteers safely returned them to shore. Satisfied that no one else was at risk the crew were then stood down by H.M Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station at 18.50.

"At Exmouth RNLI we are huge supporters of those who chose to make the most of our beautiful river and local coastline areas, however it is very important that those choosing to use these waters have appropriate experience and equipment to cope with the prevailing conditions."