RNLI rescue eight after small boat 'overwhelmed' by waves
It happened on Tuesday (2 September) just off Langstone Rock in Devon
The RNLI in Exmouth have confirmed that eight people had to be rescued earlier this week after a small boat was 'overwhelmed' by the strength of the waves.
It happened on Tuesday (2 September) just off Langstone Rock in Devon.
They report how a rigid inflatable boat was struggling in conditions described as 'challenging'.
Sharing details about the incident, the crew said: "On 2 September 2025 at 2.39pm, the launch of the Exmouth RNLI all-weather Shannon lifeboat was requested to a five metre rigid inflatable boat taking on water in two metre waves off Langstone Rock.
"The volunteer crew of the Exmouth RNLI lifeboat, R and J Welburn, launched quickly towards Teignmouth, from where the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had departed shortly earlier. The sea conditions were challenging with a moderate westerly wind generating a slight to moderate sea state. The RIB, which was bound for Exmouth with eight people on board, became overwhelmed by the waves and began taking on water. The ingress of water also caused the engine to develop issues.
"Arriving on scene, the volunteer Exmouth RNLI crew found the boat’s crew of eight bailing water out of the boat. The casualties were feeling the cold and six of them were not wearing life jackets so, the decision was made by the Exmouth RNLI crew to take them off the RIB and on to the warmth and safety of the Shannon class lifeboat. The remaining two casualties aboard the RIB had, in the meantime, managed to restart the engine and turned back towards their mooring at Teignmouth. The volunteers of Exmouth RNLI followed the RIB back to Teignmouth to ensure their passage was safe and to deliver the six casualties aboard the R and J Welburn safely to shore.
"All eight casualties from the rib arrived back in Teignmouth cold, but unharmed.
"The Exmouth RNLI Shannon-class lifeboat and its volunteer crew of seven returned to the lifeboat station where the boat was washed down and re-fuelled in readiness for the next call."
RNLI advice on the use of life jackets can be found here.
RNLI advice on checking weather conditions can be found here.