Exmouth RNLI went to the aid of a yacht in difficulties on Thursday night (July 4).

Just before 8.30pm HM Coastguard called out the lifeboat after receiving a Pan-Pan call from the yacht's crew. Pan-Pan is used to raise the alarm when help is needed, but there is no immediate danger to life or risk of harm to the vessel.

The crew reported a wrapped spinnaker which was making it difficult to control the boat.

The Exmouth RNLI all weather lifeboat R&J Welburn and six volunteer crew launched at 8.41pm and reached the stricken yacht a few miles south east of Straight Point. By this time the crew had managed to retain some control, so the lifeboat crew decided to escort the yacht as safety cover while it made a slow return to Exmouth Marina.

With the yacht safely back, the lifeboat crew were stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to the lifeboat station. After washing down and preparing the lifeboat for its next service they were able to return home shortly before midnight.