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

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For more information about this release please telephone Mike Lang, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07889 815860 or email [email protected],

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