A FAMILY reported missing off the East Devon coast were plucked from the surf by a lifeboat crew after a major search and rescue operation.

The search for the 14-foot sailing dinghy and its occupants began at about 11.40am yesterday after a fisherman noticed the vessel heading out to sea from the River Exe.

He became concerned for the safety of those on board in what were treacherous conditions and contacted coastguards.

With a two-and-half-metre swell and a strong southwesterly wind gusting to force six, the Exmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat began a shoreline search.

RNLI lifeguards on Exmouth beach also combed the area with their rescue water craft.

After an initial search proved fruitless the RNLI all-weather-lifeboat was launched with teams from Exmouth Coastguard and Sidmouth's independent lifeboat.

Portland rescue helicopter and the police helicopter were also scrambled. The boat and crew were found just outside the harbour at Lyme Regis.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "The volunteer lifeboat crew assisted the dingy crew to land on the beach and then provided care for one of the children, who was very cold."

It is understood the family were returning to their home in Lyme Regis following a visit to Exmouth.