Fisherman rescued from sinking boat

THE Coastguard carried out a rescue operation after a boat being used by a fisherman off Devon became flooded and started to sink.

Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team said a call was received on Monday at around 6pm regarding the incident on the eastern side of Otter Mouth.

Crews from Exmouth, along with Sidmouth independent lifeboat, attended the fisherman, who had become “disorientated and wet” after his dinghy began flooding.

A spokesperson for Exmouth Coastguard said that, due to the sea state and tidal conditions, the lifeboat was unable to assist.

A spokesperson said: “Crewman ashore then made a tethered rescue swim to casualty.

“Once the boat had been baled out, the rest of the team hauled the boat to safety on the western Budleigh side. The casualty was then handed over to the care of the ambulance service.”