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Burnham
RNLI Home Page > Burnham
RNLI Launch Archive
August
12, 2005
Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat called
out to assist fishing boat
Burnham-On-Sea
RNLI's Staines Whitfield lifeboat
was called
out by Swansea Coastguard at 11:45am on Friday August 12th to
help a 14ft fishing boat after it suffered engine failure.
 On
closer investigation, the crew of the lifeboat found a fourteen
foot boat with a disabled 2hp outboard engine anchored approximately
half a mile up the River Parrett adjacent to the Huntspill sea
wall.
As
the casualty was holding off from a lee shore, it was necessary
for the safety of both vessels to tow the boat clear.
The
crew passed the tow line to the casualty, who tied the end to
his mast. As they both entered the River Brue, the mast snapped
and the boat capsized tipping the owner into the water.
The
elderly owner had previously elected to stay with his boat. The
lifeboat crew retrieved the man and delivered him to the auxiliary
Coastguard at the Burnham Sailing Club pontoon and went back to
collect the boat and fishing equipment.
The
boat was retrieved and delivered to the Coastguard who made it
secure. The photo shows the boat after retrieval by the lifeboat
crew.
Lifeboat
Operations Manager Martin Cox said: "Unfortunately there
was no other strong point to tow the boat from. We have spoken
to the owner who confirms this and he has suffered no ill effects
from his escapade."
Information
and advice on all aspects of sea safety can be obtained by calling
the RNLI on 0800 328 0600 in the UK and 1800 789589 in the Republic
of Ireland. Alternatively, you can email seasafety@rnli.org.uk
RELATED
LINKS:
Burnham-On-Sea
RNLI Home Page
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360 degree photo of the mouth of the River Parrett
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