Burnham-on-Sea RNLI crew tasked to assist grounded yacht

The yacht had run aground on the earlier dropping tide, and local coastguard members had been flown out on the local BARB search and rescue charity hovercraft, to carry out a welfare check on the yacht’s crew. The yacht was well equipped, sitting firmly on it’s twin bilge keels, with ample provisions and plans to float off on the next incoming tide.

Unfortunately, with the fast incoming tide, onshore winds also increased, and the experienced local skipper had found himself in difficulties - as all experienced skippers do at some stage.

He had made exactly the right decision in calling the Coastguard for assistance. Arriving on scene, the Atlantic crew realised that the depth of water made it particularly difficult for them to reach the yacht, so our D class (which has a shallower draught) was also tasked.

The D class was more able to get closer to the casualty vessel but given the position of the yacht, the sea state and wind strength and direction, attaching a tow line proved far from straightforward. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish a tow it was decided to take the skipper off the yacht. A tow line was finally secured and, as the rising tide and strong wind were washing the yacht into deeper water where it could be a hazard to other shipping, both the vessel and skipper were taken to safety of the sailing club pontoons.

Both Burnham lifeboats were recovered in a lively sea, with skill required from the Helms and recovery vehicle driver. After a wash down of the boats and preparation for the next call, our volunteer crews returned home just before 2300.

Burnham-on-Sea Duty Launch Authority Nigel Morton said ‘This was our second shout in two days, and what was on paper a fairly straightforward tasking was made challenging given the location of the yacht, the sea state and the wind. All involved did a fantastic job executing the rescue in a safe and professional way throughout. As always, it’s good to be able to sit back and reflect on a shout which started with the yacht skipper making the right call at the right time in asking for assistance, and ended with a good outcome.’

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

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.