Both Burnham-On-Sea RNLI’s lifeboats were launched on Saturday morning (October 12th) following a ‘false alarm with good intent’.
Coastguards called out the lifeboat crews at 9.14am after a report of a small craft off Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront, apparently occupied by two people waving for help.
“Milford Haven Coastguard control had received a report of a small craft, apparently occupied by two people waving – a recognised distress indication – being swept out to sea by the morning ebbing tide,” said Burnham-On-Sea RNLI‘s Mike Lang.
“The RNLI crews proceeded to carry out an extensive search in the Bristol Channel from Hinkley Point to Birnbeck Island in excellent visibility, with no result.”
HM Coastguard Control therefore tried to establish contact with the person reporting the incident without success.”
“Consequently, the crews were stood down, returning the lifeboats to Burnham town jetty for recovery by the shore team and wash-down at the lifeboat station.”
“We are always ready to launch 24/7, and in this case we can only conclude it was a false alarm with good intent. In line with the RNLI policy of reducing preventable drownings, it is better to report a suspected incident by dialling 999 for the coastguard, rather than risk the loss of life.”
