Published: April 9, 2010
In photos: Stricken jet skier rescued by Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat

This stricken jet skier had to be rescued by a Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crew on Friday afternoon (April 9th) after his machine lost power.

Coastguards were called to Burnham beach shortly before 3.30pm after the jet skier, a man from Kidderminster, raised the alarm when he encountered mechanical problems.

The disabled jet ski was spotted by workmen maintaining navigation lights on the top of St Andrew's Church tower.

Online video of this rescue

A lifeboat crew was called and they managed to tow the machine back to the safety of the beach with the jet skier onboard, as pictured here on the right.

A Coastguard spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The jet skier had lost power and was drifting upstream towards Bridgwater on the incoming tide. The lifeboat crew quickly reached him and towed him back to the jetty."

Lifeboat helmsman Nick Prout, who was in charge of the Puffin lifeboat during the incident, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The jet ski had recently undergone a major service, but mechanical failure can happen at any time. The rider appeared to be adequately equipped and we were glad to help."

Our photos show the incident underway on Friday afternoon

RELATED LINKS:

Official Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard website
Lifeboats website for Burnham-On-Sea