Exmouth RNLI were tasked last evening to search for a missing kitesurfer off Exmouth seafront.
At 5.20pm Thursday 12 January 2023, both Exmouth RNLI lifeboats, the all weather Shannon lifeboat 13-12 Cosandra and the inshore lifeboat, D-805 George Bearman II were tasked by H.M. Coastguard to attend a report of a missing kitesurfer off Exmouth seafront. The launch was authorised by RNLI Deputy Launch Authority, Rob Vince, at 5.22pm.
A lengthy and detailed search commenced of the area by the volunteer crew of both vessels who were stood down at 7.40pm when the kitesurfer called the Coastguard to confirm they were safe and well after hearing a rescue search was in progress.
The volunteer crew were :
All Weather Lifeboat
Steve Hockings-Thompson
Geoff Mills
Ed Steele
Roy Stott
James Edge
Dougie Wright
Inshore Lifeboat
Mark Champion
Guy Munnings
Henry Mock
Other Exmouth RNLI crew involved were :
Tractor Driver : Karl Halford
Shore Crew : Ashley Palmer-Robinson and Debra Quinn
RNLI safety advice for Kitesurfers can be found here : https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/kitesurfing
