On Sunday, 14 June, 2026, at 2.08pm, Exmouth RNLI were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to assist a fishing vessel with a fouled prop.
Three volunteer crew members launched our inshore, D-class lifeboat, George Bearman II, and proceeded to the location of the stricken vessel, which was approximately 1 kilometre south-south-west of Straight Point. Our all-weather Shannon lifeboat, 13-03 R and J Welburn, and crew were also put on immediate readiness at this time, until a full assessment of the situation was available.
Arriving on scene the Exmouth RNLI D-class crew found that the prop of the casualty vessel had become caught on a pot marker. Another passing vessel, a rigid inflatable boat, had begun assisting the casualty boat. Following communication with both crews, the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat remained at the scene and provided safety surveillance whilst the prop was freed by a diver; after which the vessel was able to continue its passage with no further difficulties.
Our crew and inshore lifeboat then returned to the station, where the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next call.

Three Westcountry former Royal Marines complete 362km high-altitude expedition to raise awareness of comrades’ suicide increase
Excellence in Policing Awards highlights incredible achievements
Topsham Pool suffers break in
New padel courts coming to former Exeter store site
More than a thousand children heading to Devon coast to learn vital sea safety skills
Police appeal for information regarding Exeter man
New survey will measure activity levels among residents in Exeter
Fears for seaside communities as coastguard payments set to be axed
Thousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine ahead of autumn
Exeter to honour armed forces with annual city centre parade
Strategy to be drawn up for specialist and supported housing
‘Grow your own’ approach sees extraordinary surge in social work applications
New tourist tax ‘a bridge too far’ for Devon holiday industry
University of Exeter secures £6.4 million investment to expand advanced engineering, computing and defence-related skills
Warning following discovery of suspected grenade at Brunel Recycling Centre
Four men jailed for violent and brutal killing of Denva Smith in Exmouth
