Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Lifeboat diverted to assist distressed kite surfer
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers were undertaking regular Sunday morning training, when they were diverted by Milford Haven Coastguard Control to assist a kite surfer who was reported to be in difficulties, near Brean Down.
The crew of Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian immediately proceeded to the casualty area, and spotted the surfer’s kite in the water, approximately a half mile South of the Down and between 300 to 400 metres from the beach. On thorough investigation of the kite, they discovered that the casualty was not caught up and trapped in the lines, as immediately suspected.
Arriving on scene at around the same time, having also been alerted by Milford Haven Coastguard, the crew of Weston-super-mare Atlantic 75 lifeboat eventually spotted the casualty some four hundred yards away from the kite, and took him onto their lifeboat. After medically assessing him, he was found to be cold, but in relatively good health.
The surfer was therefore transported to the beach, along with his kite and board, into the arms of a Coastguard rescue team.
RNLI Helmsman Scot Rundle said; ‘We diverted to the casualty area, South of Brean Down, and on spotting the kite, immediately checked to see if the surfer had become trapped in the kite’s cordage. This was not the case, and the Weston lifeboat which had reached the scene at more or less the same time located the casualty, took him on board. The decision was taken for the Weston crew to deliver the casualty and kit to the shore, because of the Atlantic 75’s shallower draft.
A spokesman for the Burnham-on Sea Lifeboat station added; ‘This was an excellent demonstration of cooperation and team working between flank stations, and local Coastguard. I understand that the casualty was all right, other than being somewhat cold.’
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Library Images of Burnham-on-Sea Atlantic 85 lifeboat are available on request
Lifeboats in service at Burnham-on-Sea:
A 7.5m Atlantic 75 named Staines Whitfield and a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.
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