Covidiots are rescued by the RNLI after grounding their catamaran while ignoring the government's pleas to stay at home this weekend

RNLI volunteers were forced to launch a rescue boat after two people became grounded in their catamaran while out for a sail, despite lockdown rules in force across the country. Police were seen giving the pair a stern talking to after the incident, which happened despite repeated warnings that people should stay at home. They had taken the boat out in Exmouth, Devon, on Saturday afternoon, but soon ran into trouble as the craft became caught on the ocean floor. A local RNLI crew then had to launch a boat to go out and rescue them. Police were seen speaking to them afterwards, although it is unclear whether their actions led to further action. The resident said: 'I couldn't believe what I was seeing. 'Not only had the crew risked their lives to save them, they risked them again with the chance of catching coronavirus. 'It beggars belief anyone would think this weekend was a good one to go for a sail.' He added that Exmouth seafront had been absolutely deserted on Saturday with the vast majority of people following government adivce and staying home. 'There wasn't a single person out when they were rescued,' he went on. 'People with families weren't even out for walks - it was just them on their boat. 'They were actually arguing with the crew when they returned and claiming they hadn't done anything wrong.' Exeter City Council issued stern advice to pleasure craft users of local rivers and canals on 27 March. In a statement, Grahame Forshaw, harbour master for Exeter Port Authority, said: 'As far as recreational use of the river or canal is concerned, such as use of leisure vessels, kite surfing, paddle boarding etc, it is not essential and those who break the new laws could be fined for doing so. 'Use of the river and canal at this time for recreational purposes could put port staff and emergency services at unnecessary risk. 'Exercise should be done from home.' It went on: 'Exeter Port Authority manage the Exe estuary and the position from the Harbour Master is clear. 'There should be no activity on the water except for commercial or safety related instances.' Both the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Devon and Cornwall Police have been contacted for comment.