CREW from Sidmouth Lifeboat took part in a search for two missing occupants of an inflatable dinghy on Sunday evening offshore at Budleigh Salterton.
CREW from Sidmouth Lifeboat took part in a search for two missing occupants of an inflatable dinghy on Sunday evening offshore at Budleigh Salterton.
A concerned member of the public called Portland Coastguard to report his two friends had gone afloat at noon in the dinghy with a small outboard motor, and had not been since since lunchtime.
There was a fresh westerly wind, but the two were known to be wearing lifejackets.
Exmouth Coastguard rescue team, Exmouth RNLI and a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor were scrambled.
The drifting dinghy was located by Exmouth lifeboat 3.2 miles offshore, and both occupants were safe and well.
Bruck Lack, watch manager of Portlandf Maritme Rescue Coordination Centre, said: "Once again, the Coastguard would like to remind owners of small craft of the dangers of taking inflatable boats any distance from the shore, especially when the wind is not blowing directly in towards the beach; and always ensure you are wearing your lifejackets correctly.
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