Two current RNLI lifeboats launch to private former lifeboat on fire
The crew of Barry Dock and Burnham-on-Sea RNLI were called out to a boat on fire in the Bristol Channel.
The fire had started on board a 45 foot ex Watson Class lifeboat that is now in private use. The volunteer crew from Barry Dock RNLI were called to assist just after 4pm on Thursday (14 July). Burnham-on-Sea inshore lifeboat was also called to help.
Winds were approximately force 3–4, with moderate seas but with heavy Bristol Channel chop.
When Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene, the crew of the Watson lifeboat had put the fire out. A lifeboat crew member went aboard the boat which was now drifting and without engines. When it had been confirmed that the fire had been made safe and the crew of the fire damaged lifeboat were safe and well, Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat returned to their station and left the bigger Barry Dock all-weather lifeboat to tow the old lifeboat back to harbour.
Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat and the ex Watson Class lifeboat arrived in Barry around 6.30pm. The Fire Brigade were on hand to check that the fire was safely out.
By 7.15pm, the Barry lifeboat was ready for its next service and the crew were able to return home.
The RNLI is a charity that relies on public support to carry out its lifesaving work. If you would like to organise a fundraising event to help save lives at sea, please contact the Chair of the Fundraising group, Chris Tutton on 01446 732195.
Notes to editors:
Picture: Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat. Credit Chris Thomas/RNLI
For more information please contact: Abi Phillips, Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07973 293587 or by email [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.