Teighmouth's largest trawler, the Girl Rhona, capsized while returning to harbour with a fish catch at lunchtime today (Monday).

She was approaching the estuary entrance when she appeared to go aground on a sandbar and was tipped on her side by waves.

The crew of five was quickly rescued by the inshore lifeboat – some were standing in the wheelhouse and others were in the ship's inflataable lifeboat. Some were said to be suffering hypothermia, but otherwise unhurt.

With the tide dropping and rough easterlies, recovering the vessel will be tricky.

A full inquiry will be undertaken by the maritime authorities. All the crew are said to be highly experienced.