Burnham RNLI Home Page > Burnham RNLI Launch Archive
August 12, 2005
Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat called out to assist fishing boat
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI’s Staines Whitfield lifeboat was called out by Swansea Coastguard at 11:45am on Friday August 12th to help a 14ft fishing boat after it suffered engine failure.
On closer investigation, the crew of the lifeboat found a fourteen foot boat with a disabled 2hp outboard engine anchored approximately half a mile up the River Parrett adjacent to the Huntspill sea wall.
As the casualty was holding off from a lee shore, it was necessary for the safety of both vessels to tow the boat clear.
The crew passed the tow line to the casualty, who tied the end to his mast. As they both entered the River Brue, the mast snapped and the boat capsized tipping the owner into the water.
The elderly owner had previously elected to stay with his boat. The lifeboat crew retrieved the man and delivered him to the auxiliary Coastguard at the Burnham Sailing Club pontoon and went back to collect the boat and fishing equipment.
The boat was retrieved and delivered to the Coastguard who made it secure. The photo shows the boat after retrieval by the lifeboat crew.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Martin Cox said: “Unfortunately there was no other strong point to tow the boat from. We have spoken to the owner who confirms this and he has suffered no ill effects from his escapade.”
Information and advice on all aspects of sea safety can be obtained by calling the RNLI on 0800 328 0600 in the UK and 1800 789589 in the Republic of Ireland. Alternatively, you can email seasafety@rnli.org.uk
RELATED LINKS:
Interactive 360 degree photo of the mouth of the River Parrett
