Exmouth RNLI's inshore lifeboat was launched today, after a distress call from a yacht that had departed Topsham and subsequently gone aground on the River Exe.

The George Bearman II, with three volunteer crew onboard, launched at 10.17 on Friday (November 8) and made best speed to the reported location, south of Topsham.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "We arrived with the casualty vessel and the Helm was quickly able to assess that the state of tide and construction of the vessel would allow a safe short tow to move the yacht from the mud bank it was aground on, back into the safety of the river channel."

One of the ILB crew went onboard and navigated the boat down the river to Star Cross Fishing & Cruising Club, where they were able to take up their mooring.

The spokesman added: "Satisfied that everyone was safe, our crew were then stood down and returned to the lifeboat station at around 11.30."