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Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboats launched to disabled speedboat

Lifeboats News Release

Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat volunteers were paged by Milford Haven Coastguard control at 2.34pm, Friday 4th October, to a grounded speedboat, in the River Parret

Library image of Burnham-on-Sea D class lifeboat 'Burnham Reach'

RNLI/Mike Lang

Library image of Burnham-on-Sea D class lifeboat 'Burnham Reach'

Burnham’s D class lifeboat Burnham Reach was speedily launched, closely followed by the station’s Atlantic 85, Doris Day and Brian, and both crews proceeded up river, easily locating the disabled craft as the owner was busy fending his craft away from rocks at the bank, adjacent to the Huntspill River.

The D class crew were able to tow the casualty away from the rocks, and transferred their charge to the Atlantic 85 lifeboat for a tow to Combwich. On arrival at Combwich, two of the D class crew landed and assisted recovery of the craft to it’s trailer.

Once stood down by Milford Haven, both lifeboats were returned to Burnham jetty, for recovery and wash-down by the volunteer shore crew, at around 4.30 pm, before being made ready for any subsequent service

D class helmsman Nathan Meager said; ‘The distressed craft had suffered engine failure, and the owner was equipped with lifejacket and other safety equipment. It was a useful exercise, and we were pleased to be able to assist.’

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Record shots of both lifeboats are attached with this short report (RNLI/Mike Lang)

File names: D_launch, and Atlantic_launch

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 15th May 2004, but has been operational since December 2003.

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 Emily_Hazard Regional Media Officer [email protected] Mob: 07866 064437

Alternatively, telephone Amy Caldwell RNLI Public Relations Manager (South) Tel: 07920 818 807, [email protected].

As a last resort, contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789


Library image of Burnham Atlantic lifeboat, 'Doris Day and Brian' launching from the beach

RNLI/Mike Lang

Library image of Burnham Atlantic lifeboat, 'Doris Day and Brian' launching from the beach

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.

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