Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat volunteers tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard

The tasking request was for a 27ft yacht with a fouled prop, somewhere North-East of Hinkley. Two persons were aboard, no one was injured, and the boat’s crew were preparing to anchor. There was nothing to suggest the crew or vessel were in grave or imminent danger, but they clearly needed assistance.

Burnham’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was quickly launched with a full crew of four. Once on the scene, the lifeboat crew established the problem to be due to ‘fouled prop, therefore the boat could not be started and make way.

Launch Authority Marc Smith explains; ‘The crew followed the RNLI towing policy to ‘the letter of the law’ and made the decision that the safest and best option was to tow.

Marc continues; ‘The boat was a Burnham yacht and was safely towed back to the sailing club, where two additional crew in life jackets assisted boat crew with safely leaving the vessel for the evening. A point of note, our newly passed out Head Launcher Adam was thrown straight into action.

Marc comments further; ‘Well done all, and thanks, the boat owners and Milford Haven Coastguard were very grateful for the assistance given.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, in the first instance, please contact Mike Lang, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Station on 07889 815860 or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789

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 2004.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Mike Lang, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.