A yacht in Burnham-On-Sea has been left partially submerged under water and mud in the River Brue after getting into difficulty during this month’s high tides.
Owner Phil Hatfield is working on a big clean-up operation to remove thick mud and water from inside the stricken 22ft vessel, called Blue Mink.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Phil said: “I’ve had the yacht for over four years and it was a shock to find it submerged like this earlier in the month.”
“It tilted over into a mud gulley and was then swamped by water coming in on the next incoming tide.”
Phil, a former Coastguard who has helped rescue other people’s yachts over the years, says he’s determined to restore the vessel and use it for sailing and fishing.
“Sadly, it’s in a terrible state, full of mud and sea water and, in addition to a clean-up, it needs a new engine and lots of work inside.”
He added: “I’m cleaning it, stripping it down and intend to sail in her again – but it isn’t an overnight project.”
The sight of yachts like this on the river banks is not unusual. Fast flowing tides in the River Brue estuary have stranded many other vessels over the years, although the state of this particular yacht is severe.
Buoys have been placed around the vessel to warn other water users of its location.
The stricken yacht is reachable by rowing boat in the river estuary.
Phil says the work will take several months, adding that he’s looking forward to the day when the yacht is able to sail down the river again.
At high tide, only the top of the yacht’s mast is visible in the River Brue between Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, as pictured below.
