RESCUERS feared a drifting boat’s crew were in peril in the sea when they raced to an incident off the Sidmouth coast.

RESCUERS feared a drifting boat’s crew was in peril in the sea when they raced to an incident off the Sidmouth coast.

Sidmouth Lifeboat crew members took on force five winds and choppy waters when they were scrambled by Portland Coatguard to investigate a wayward fishing boat on October 23.

Concern was raised that the boat’s crew had been lost overboard in water half a mile south of the town.

A lifeboat spokesman said crew arrived at the scene at 8.55am and established the boat’s engine was down, with no people nearby.

As a search was carried out, the coastguard confirmed a 999 call had been made over a missing boat that had vanished from Ladram Bay beach.

Sidmouth Lifeboat crew members confirmed the fishing boat’s fuel supply was disconnected and towed it to the beach where it was safely put ashore and winched to safety, where its owner was waiting.

The lifeboat was stood down at 9.50am and was refuelled and ready for service just half an hour later.