Confiscated boat back in service

The Coastguard boat crew launched despite safety concerns

A Devon coastguard boat taken out of service over health and safety concerns is to return to action.

The boat, based at Hope Cove, had been removed from service by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in June after the crew carried out unsupervised repairs.

The vessel was then confiscated last week after the crew ignored an order not to use it.

The MCA says it has had urgent repairs and will be back on duty in time for a carnival in the area this weekend.

The Hope Cove volunteer crew had used the boat to try and save a 13-year-old girl who was trapped on a ledge just off the beach after being swept away on 12 August.

They had been told by the MCA not to launch because the boat's hull had failed a safety check in June.

'Strict guidelines'

The crew launched anyway, although the girl was eventually rescued by a member of the public.

The boat was then taken away to Kingsbridge by the MCA and the three-strong crew was told it could face disciplinary action.

More than 600 Hope Cove residents signed a petition demanding the release of the boat amid fears that local safety was compromised while it was out of action.

The MCA says the rescue boat will be subject to strict guidelines in the future.

The crew are also to get new helmets, life jackets and the use of a Land Rover to move the boat around.