Beer Coastguards and Lyme Regis lifeboat crew were called to the aid of another lifeboat off Seaton beach yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

The former ship's lifeboat, once capable of carrying 50 people, was seen near Colverhold Point with persons stood on the side.

Beer Coastguards called for the assistance of Lyme Regis lifeboat crew at 3.55pm, to get alongside the vessel and check the occupants were not in danger.

The vessel was an enclosed liferaft, named Gryphon, and was suffering from engine problems with four people aboard.

It was later able to sail under its own steam and was escorted by the RNLI crew to the safety of Lyme Regis harbour, arriving at 5.20pm.

While the lifeboat was still escorting the Gryphon, Beer and Exmouth Coastguards were called to assist the police with another incident on the coast, but were stood down on route as police had resolved the incident successfully.