Published: September 1, 2010
Rescued Coastguard thanks Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crew

A Coastguard who was rescued by a Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crew at the weekend when his boat suffered engine failure has thanked the crewmembers for coming to his aid.

Dave Ilsley, a long-standing Burnham Coastguard, was one of several people onboard a 21ft yacht when it ran aground in shallow water after encountering difficulties in force four winds in the River Brue.

Fortunately, one of Burnham's lifeboats, the Staines Whitfield, was being recovered nearby following a training session and its crew diverted across the estuary to help Dave and his yacht.

The RNLI crew towed the stricken yacht upstream and to the safety of the mooring pontoons, as pictured here.

Dave, who was being given a sailing lesson at the time of the rescue, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was very happy and relieved to have the lifeboat help us."

"Unfortunately, our engine had failed and we were drifting downstream with the falling tide and into the shallow water."

"We were running aground and were in some difficulty. I thanked the crew for the professional way they rescued us."

"It was quite an experience to be on the receiving end of the rescue services for a change!"

RELATED LINKS:

Lifeboats website for Burnham-On-Sea