Worried search parties inspected the coastline for hours after clothes and shoes were left abandoned at a Devon beach.

RNLI lifeboats and HM Coastguard searched the sea at Budleigh Salterton after a jumper and pair of shoes were found on Friday, August 29.

The crews were called out to the beach at around 12.30pm and concerns were raised because lifeguards had raised red flags, indicating conditions were not suitable for swimming.

Four RNLI volunteers joined Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team to search the area.

Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Shoreline search made in both directions as far as the mouth of the river otter and westwards towards steamer steps.

"Lifeboat conducted a search from littleham cove to the river mouth. Nil found."

Despite these searches, no one was found to be in the water and the coastguard stood down the response.

RNLI Exmouth shared on Facebook: "It has been another busy afternoon (29 August 2025) for the volunteer crew of Exmouth RNLI with two shouts coming just a couple of hours apart.

"The first tasking came at just before 12.30pm from H.M. Coastguard. Concerns had been raised following the discovery of clothing and shoes left on Budleigh Salterton beach, despite RNLI Lifeguards South & East Devon flying red flags due to unfavourable sea conditions.

"The Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat, George Bearman II, was launched with four volunteer crew members aboard to assist Exmouth Coastguard Rescue Team in a search.

"Following an extensive search, no-one was found to be in the water and all agencies were stood down by the coastguard."

The coastguard added: "Contact made with beach users/retail units but no further information available.

"On discussion with Coastguard Operations Centre both assets were stood down."

Just a few hours later, after the lifeboat was cleaned and re-fuelled, the crew were back out to recover a group stranded on a 22-foot yacht which lost power near the entrance to Exmouth Marina.

The yacht crew of six dropped anchor when their vessel got into trouble and called the coastguard for assistance.

The RNLI volunteers headed out at around 3pm. They took the casualties to shore and put their yacht on a mooring.

RNLI Exmouth said: "With the vessel secured and the casualties safely ashore, the George Bearman II and crew made passage back to the lifeboat station to prepare for the next tasking.

"All in all, a busy afternoon for the Exmouth RNLI volunteer boat and shore crews!"