Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers launch to reported distressed craft
Both Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboats were launched this morning after being paged by Milford Haven Coastguard control at 9:14 am.
The RNLI crew proceeded to carry out an extensive search in the Bristol Channel from Hinkley Point to Birnbeck Island, in excellent visibility, with no result. HM coastguard control therefore tried to establish contact with the person reporting the incident , without success. Consquently, crews were stood down, returning the lifeboats to Burnham town jetty for recovery by the volunteer shore team , and wash-down at the lifeboat station.
Lifeboat Press Officer Mike Lang says; 'We are always ready to launch 24/7, and in this case can only conclude it was a false alarm with good intent. In line with the RNLI policy of reducing preventable drownings, It is better to report a suspected incident by dialling 999 for the coastguard, rather than risk loss of life.'
Notes for editors
Library images of both boats are available on request
RNLI media contacts
For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],
In the absence of the above, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789
Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South)
Tel 07920 818 807, [email protected] ,
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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.