
Burnham RNLI volunteers paged to assist yacht
Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat crews were paged this afternoon, 17 February at 1.42 pm, to assist a 27 foot yacht with engine failure.
The yacht’s owner was returning to his berth in the River Brue when the engine cut out at the entrance of the river. He tried to sail but the light winds were not sufficient to stem the swift outgoing tide. HM Coastguard had been notified of the earlier engine problem, but escalated the situation when the yacht was unable to make any headway.
Burnham volunteers were paged at 1.42 pm, with the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian being launched at 155pm. Burnham’s D class lifeboat Burnham Reach was also launched st 2.20 pm to offer strategic support
The stricken yacht was discovered by the Atlantic lifeboat crew in the vicinity of Burnham’s lighthouse, and towed to the visitor’s pontoon at Burnham Sailing club, in the River Brue. Once the casualty craft was secured safely, both lifeboats returned to Burnham jetty for recovery and wash down by the the volunteer crews..
Helmsman Stuart Lacey explains; ‘ We discovered the yacht in the main channel, near Burnham’s iconic lighthouse, unsuccessfully trying to sail against the outgoing tide. We towed the yacht back to Burnham Sailing club, leaving it secured to the visitors pontoon. The yacht was well prepared with the correct safety gear. An engine can play up at any time. The crew were pleased to see us and we were glad to be able to help.’
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Mike Lang, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Station on 07889 815860 or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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