Burnham-On-Sea RNLI’s crews were called out to help rescue a disabled powerboat in the Bristol Channel on Thursday afternoon (July 14th).
Milford Haven Coastguard Control received a report of a fire onboard a 47ft Watson lifeboat conversion power cruiser, resulting in the Barry Dock offshore lifeboat and the Burnham-On-Sea RNLI inshore lifeboats being paged at 4.18pm.
By the time the Barry Dock lifeboat had located and reached the vessel after some confusion about the location, the fire had been extinguished. However, the vessel was drifting in strong South Westerly winds and needed assistance – and the Burnham volunteer crews were able to quickly help.
The vessel was taken to the safety of Barry Docks, with the Barry Dock lifeboat taking the tow. Both Burnham’s boats were recovered at approximately 5.50pm.
Burnham RNLI Helmsman Nick Edrich told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The fire was apparently caused by an oily rag in the engine compartment, but had been extinguished by the time we arrived on scene.”
“The winds were approximately force 3 – 4 with moderate seas, but the heavy Bristol Cannel chop made progress difficult in challenging conditions.”
