Crews from Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards, BARB Search & Rescue and Burnham RNLI were called out alongside Police last night (Thursday) after a person was reported to have entered a local river in darkness.
The crews were called out shortly before 9.30pm to the River Parrett in Bridgwater.
“With the flow of the river and the darkness shrouding the view of the water, multiple assets were tasked as the cold water made it a matter of urgency,” said a Coastguard spokesman.
“We were tasked to Bridgwater to liaise with Avon and Somerset Police as there had been reports of a person entering the water in the river.”
“BARB Search & Rescue were tasked with their inshore rescue boat, plus Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Burnham RNLI, and the HART (Hazardous Area Rescue Team) team from the ambulance service were in attendance.”
“The teams prepared initially for a water rescue and a search as there was no confirmation of where the person was.”
“Police were actively investigating and were in close contact with the CCTV rooms to see what further information they could gather and any location of where the person was last seen.”
“Finally, the CCTV got a positive fix on the person and they had been spotted on camera heading back into town, and there was no-one in the water.”
“This was the best news because it meant there was no-one in danger or anyone that had entered the water. The search plans and water rescue equipment were not needed and we could all return back to our respective bases.”
“This goes to show that if there is a chance of saving a life then every asset needed to help ensure that positive outcome is rightly tasked.”
“Time is imperative so if you see anyone fall into the water dial 999 immediately, the water temperature is dropping now and it can bring on cold water shock in a matter of seconds. A great multi-agency response to what could have been a far worse situation.”
Pictured: Coastguards at the scene of the incident (Photo: Burnham Coastguard)Â
