A lifeboat crew from Burnham-On-Sea RNLI faced stormy sea conditions when they were called out on Monday evening (July 24th) to reports of a life-raft floating in the Bristol Channel.
The Staines Whitfield lifeboat was launched to investigate and is pictured here in the rough seas off Burnham.
“The life-raft had been observed in the sea near Woodspring Bay at Weston-super-Mare,” said spokesman Mike Lang.
“The Weston D class lifeboat was initially tasked to investigate, but the heavy seas and strong winds made recovery impossible and Milford Haven Coastguard control requested the launch of the larger and heavier Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Atlantic 75 Lifeboat, at 5.27pm.”
“The Burnham crew speedily launched the Staines Whitfield, and proceeded towards Weston. However, the heavy seas and force five winds made it heavy going, and eventually the volunteer crews were stood down by Milford Coastguard to return to Burnham for recovery at around 6.20pm.”
Lifeboat Helmsman Kevin Barber added: “The strong force five winds and heavy seas were difficult and Milford Coastguard decided to stand us down, as there was no life in danger and the raft would eventually be washed ashore anyway.”
The lifeboat was recovered from the sea by the RNLI launch tractor next to the town’s jetty, pictured above.
