Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers paged by UK Coastguard, to assist disabled yacht

Burnham's Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian was speedily launched and the volunteer crew intercepted the drifting yacht near the mouth of the River Brue. With the risk of a serious incident, a tow was established and the yacht taken to a safe berth in the Brue, with assistance from some sailing club members. On completion of service, the lifeboat was recovered at Burnham slipway and returned to the lifeboat station for refuelling, washdown and sanitising.

RNLI Helmsman Nick said; ‘We intercepted the casualty vessel, approximately 30 minutes before high tide. This was an experienced yachts person, and engine problems can happen at any time. We were happy to assist.’

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Image1: with this release shows a library photograph of lifeboat Doris Day and Brian.(Credit RNLI/Mike Lang

Image2: shows the tractor and lifeboat being washed down this morning, after recovery (Credit RNLI/David J Whatley) /

RNLI Lifeboats at Burnham-on-Sea

A 8.5m Atlantic 85 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.

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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.

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