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Burnham
RNLI Home Page > Burnham
RNLI Launch Archive
May
31, 2006
Burnham-On-Sea lifeboats called
to yacht in distress after Mayday alert
Burnham-On-Sea's
lifeboats were called out by Coastguards on Wednesday evening
after a 20ft sailing yacht issued a Mayday message in Bridgwater
Bay when it got into difficulties in stormy sea conditions.
 The
'Staines Whitfield' and 'Global Marine' boats were both launched
at 6pm in response to a distress call from Combwich-based yacht
‘Bass Clef’.
The
yacht was out in Bridgwater Bay when the weather had worsened,
producing heavy swells in force four winds.
 Upon
trying to run for the shelter of the River Parrett on the incoming
tide, the yachtsman had difficulty finding the main channel, and
after running aground several times, heard a loud bang from below.
Fearing
that the boat had been holed and was about to take on water, he
called the Coastguard for assistance.
The
lifeboat crews investigated and found the yacht secure, with the
noise being a loose anchor.
 The
crews escorted the yachtsman and his wife to a sheltered anchorage
in the lee of Stert Island, where they waited until there was
sufficient water to enable safe passage back to Combwich.
Burnham
Lifeboats Press Officer Mike Lang said: "The wind had apparently
freshened more than anticipated, creating a heavy swell. Our volunteer
crews were pleased to help."
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