
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat volunteers paged assist yacht In Bristol Channel.
The casualty craft, a 30ft yacht from Portishead, was caught unawares when it’s anchor winch broke and decided to release the anchor and chain.
Being now effectively at anchor near Hinkley Point, the two crewmembers were unable to raise the anchor and quite sensibly contacted the Coastguard for assistance.
Burnham-on-sea volunteer crews were paged at 2.35 pm on Monday 29th May, and quickly launched the station Atlantic 85 lifeboat, reaching the yacht at just past 3.00 pm.
Lifeboat Helmsman Nick Prout said; Retrieving the anchor and chain proved difficult in the force 3-4 breeze and one to two metre swell, so we eventually took over the anchor line, placed a small marker buoy, to assist recovery at low tide. The casualty vessel was then able to proceed independently. We were glad to be able to help!’
The volunteer crew were then stood down by Coastguard control and returned to Burnham slipway for recovery, and wash-down at the lifeboat station, by the boat and shore crew members. The lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for the next service, which of course could be at any time.
END
Notes for Editors
Image with this short brief shows the Burnham Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian during recovery. File name: Lifeboat_recovery (Credit RNLI/Paul Beck)
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 2003RNLI media contacts
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