Burnham-on-Sea RNLI assist Grounded Yacht

Both boats were near the River Brue carrying out their exercises when the Atlantic crew were made aware of a yacht that had overshot its moorings and had run aground. With shallow water in the river the Atlantic was unable to reach the vessel so the D class was asked to assist. The owner of the yacht had managed to secure lines but couldn't pull themselves off.

A member of the D crew, was placed on board the yacht to assist and with some effort the yacht was secured on its mooring.

With the state of the tide now swiftly exiting the river the D class took the owner along with two children and their dog back to the pontoons along with the tender vessel. The Atlantic had now already been recovered so with all safe the D returned to the town slip where it was also recovered to station and made ready for service.

D Class Helm Marc Smith said ‘This tasking came after what was a near full training session. We were very happy to assist and it wasn't an easy operation both with the position of the yacht and the fast tide.’

He added ‘I’d like to give huge credit to my crew Martin and Laura. Their professional, efficient and empathetic actions delivered a positive outcome today.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Please note: Text for this release was compiled by Burnham-on-Sea RNLI Head Launcher Ian Brown, and is extracted from the station facebook page.

Images with this release:

File name: D_at_jetty (RNLI/Mike Lang) At the start of the afternoon’s training session

File name: D_launch (RNLI/Mike Lang) D Class lifeboat Burnham Reach proceeds to sea in a stiff on-shore breeze

Lifeboats in service at Burnham-on-Sea:

A 7.5m Atlantic 75 named Doris Day and Brian plus a smaller 4.95m D class IB1 inflatable named Burnham Reach The station was opened officially on 15^th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.

Note: Last year the RNLI was facing a ‘perfect storm’, with a reduced income and an increase in demand for it’s services. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic, fundraising has been severely reduced by a national lockdown, yet the lifeboats have still been launched 24/7 in their strategy to save lives at sea.

Click this link to donate; https://rnli.org/support-us/give-money/give-to-a-special-appeal/summer-appeal

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]. or Marianne Quinn Regional Media Officer (South West) [email protected] Mobile: 07786 668847

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.