Burnham RNLI volunteers tasked to assist disabled powerboat
Milford Haven Coastguard paged Burnham-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat crews, at 8.09 pm, 23 August, after a report of a boat with engine trouble in the River Parrett. A water skier, presumably being towed by the boat, had become separated from the vessel and was in the water.
D class lifeboat, Burnham Reach, was launched at 8.15 pm, but stood down by the Coastguard en route to the casualty area, as another vessel had taken the boat in tow, and all personnel were accounted for.
As the D class was being recovered, a member of the public informed the Shore Crew that someone had been seen swimming off Maddocks Slade, and was possibly in trouble. After discussion with the Coastguard control, the D class was re-tasked to search the area. However, nothing being found, the Lifeboat was stood down, to be recovered at Town Slip and made ready for the next service, at the Llifeboat station.
.Burnham’s Duty Launch Authority, Nigel Morton said; ‘A busy evening for us, with 2 shouts one after the other. In both cases those involved did exactly the right thing in calling for help when they thought they needed it. As always, it was good to be able to report a happy outcome from both shouts.’
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 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
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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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.