Washed-up lifeboat traced back to ship off the French coast
Beer Coastguard Rescue Team were called out on Sunday morning (21/12)
A lifeboat washed up on Sidmouth beach has been traced back to a ship off the French coast.
Beer Coastguard Rescue Team were called out on Sunday morning, with checks confirming no one was involved and the liferaft had been swept away three days earlier.
The vessel was moved to a safer spot by the Sidmouth lifeboat crew and is now waiting to be collected.
The Beer Coastguard team said: "Tasked to a report of a lifeboat ashore.
"On our arrival photos were sent to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre who confirmed the liferaft had been swept off of a ship on the french side of the channel 3 days earlier.
"It was confirmed no persons were involved.
"We were instructed to take everything out of the vessel we could and store the items, and wait for the shipping company to collect them.
"Once done it was a case of getting the vessel higher up the beach to a safer location.
"Sidmouth lifeboat crew volunteered to move it with their tractor.
"The vessel was moved and now awaits removal by the local authority.
"Return to base 13:42.
"Special thanks to the lady who supplied drinks and sandwiches."