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The launch follows the tragic death of little Lelaina Hall in June 2002 when she became trapped in the treacherous mudflats that surround the area. Following an appeal launch by A.S.R.H. and a sustained campaign by the Western Daily Press, sufficient funds were raised by generous readers of the newspaper which have allowed the purchase of a six seater BBV6 hovercraft, trailer and support equipment.
The hovercraft was formally unveiled by Lelaina's mother, Caroline, to those present. ASRH/BARB member Malcolm Tanner described the craft as "absolutely unbelievable" and A.S.R.H. Trustee Gordon Robinson added: "The previous nine months have been extremely hard work for all those involved on this appeal, but today's result shows that all that effort has been well worth it. We now have an effective rescue vehicle based here that can deal with the mudflats safely and effectively."
In attendance was the crafts' builder Magnus Ivanoff from N. Stavsudda Handel AB in Sweden as well as the crafts' designer Bill Baker. Several other hovercraft were in attendance to celebrate the launch. With the new holiday season approaching, this new hovercraft will be a major asset in preventing another tragedy from happening again. Related
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All images on this page copyright of the The Western Daily Press.
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The
Association of Search & Rescue Hovercraft is proud to announce the
formal launch of the ASRH/BARB branch at Burnham on Sea. This is the
Association's third branch to be formed and represents a unique partnership
between A.S.R.H. and a second charity, the Burnham Area Rescue Boat
(B.A.R.B.). 
The
hovercraft will be operated by members of B.A.R.B. who have been working
closely with, and have undergone training by, A.S.R.H. 
Later
that afternoon the craft was taken to the B.A.R.B. Boathouse under police
escort where it was placed on show for the public to see. Sunday saw
a service on the beach where the craft was formally named and blessed.
Lelaina's family were then taken for the first ride on the craft piloted
by ASRH's Bill Allen and members of the ASRH/BARB branch. 