The flag at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis was flown at half mast following news of the loss of three crew members when a French lifeboat capsized during a rescue.

The rescue boat capsized as Storm Miguel struck the west coast of France.

Lyme Regis lifeboat operations manager, Nick Marks, said: “As a mark of our respect we took the decision to lower our flag on Friday and a message of support was posted on twitter.”

The RNLI said in a statement: “This is tragic news and a shock to all of us in the lifesaving family. Times like this remind us how perilous the water can be, Our thoughts go out to all involved.”