A search and rescue operation has been called off after a missing yachtsman was found safe and well, five miles from his departure point.

Coastguards in France, the UK and Channel Islands were involved in the search after the man’s wife alerted Brixham Coastguard in Devon on Sunday. She had been unable to contact her husband who left Torpoint bound for the Channel Islands.

After an overnight search, the man was found on board Lowender on Monday morning moored in the River Yealm – five miles from where he left. Brixham Coastguard contacted Vodafone to request a situation report on the missing man’s mobile phone, which gave them a position.

Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager Dave Scullion said, “We always advise members of the public who are setting out on journeys such as this to leave an itinerary of your journey with someone ashore and to stay in contact so that if you are overdue, late or change your plans they can contact the Coastguard.

One phonecall in this case could have prevented not only the distress caused to this mans wife but also the time and effort put into the extensive search undertaken last night.”