Missing child last seen at water's edge in Exmouth sparks huge emergency response

There was a huge emergency services presence at Exmouth beach yesterday (May 11) after a child went missing. Rescue teams rushed to the scene after it was reported that the child had last been seen at the water's edge.

Police, the RNLI and the Coastguard all attended to help with the search, including multiple lifeboats and the police helicopter. The missing child was eventually found safe by the volunteer RNLI lifeboat crew.

The child's mother has thanked the emergency services and a member of the public who helped with the search for bringing her son home safe. She says she 'will forever be in [their] debt'.

Under a post by the Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, she commented: "Thank you so much to everyone involved, if the same incident, it was for our son Trevor and I will forever be in your debt for bringing him back to us safely. Also a lady he says was called Emma who helped him search for us. Thank you."

The RNLI Exmouth wrote on their Facebook page: "Later in the day, our volunteers were once again tasked by HM Coastguard to a report of a missing child, last seen at the water's edge on Exmouth beach.

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"The ILB launched quickly, supported by a large multi-agency response from our colleagues at Exmouth Coastguard, Beer Coastguard, the RNLI lifeguard team, police units and the police helicopter.

"Happily the missing child was eventually found safe and well by the ILB volunteer crew and all units were stood down."

The RNLI said they had helped with another emergency earlier in the day. At 12:57pm yesterday, the Coastguard requested help from the RNLI lifeboat following a mayday call made from a boat just off Exmouth. The boat was being towed by a fishing vessel before being passed into the care of the lifeboat crew.

The RNLI said: "At 12.57 Saturday lunchtime, H.M. Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the RNLI Exmouth lifeboat to a Mayday call from a vessel off Exmouth.

"The ILB D-805 George Bearman II and three volunteer crew launched at 13.03 and set off at best speed to the reported location.

"Also responding to the Mayday were the crew of the fishing vessel Becci of Ladram, who arrived first at the scene and took the stricken motorboat under tow.

"Our volunteer crew then took over the tow and safely returned the vessel and its two occupants to Exmouth Marina."

They continued: "A great team effort and result for both incidents and our thanks again to the Becci of Ladram skipper and crew for their assistance."