Burnham-On-Sea RNLI crews were called out at just after 5pm on Friday (June 29th) to investigate reports of a fishing boat in distress at the northern end of Stert Island.
The D-Class lifeboat Burnham Reach was launched and the crew of three set off to investigate.
The vessel, a 20ft fishing boat, was quickly located at the edge of the main channel near Berrow Flats and it was found to be not in difficulty and the occupants were simply fishing.
After exchanging friendly greetings, the crew returned to Burnham beach for recovery by the station shore crew, and the lifeboat was washed down at the RNLI station.
Lifeboat helmsman Stuart Lacey said: “To be fair, because of the sun’s reflection from the fishing boat’s white hull, it was difficult to tell whether the boat was in distress or not until you got quite close.”
“In fact they were properly equipped, and experienced, just enjoying an afternoon’s fishing. This was a false alarm with good intent.”
