Burnham‑On‑Sea RNLI volunteers were called into action on Friday evening (21st August) when Milford Haven Coastguard paged the lifeboat following concern for a disabled yacht drifting in the Bristol Channel off Hinkley Point.
The request at 9pm was for assistance to a 27‑foot yacht with a fouled prop somewhere to the north‑east of Hinkley.
Two people were aboard and preparing to anchor. No one was injured and there was nothing to suggest the crew were in immediate danger, but they were unable to start the vessel or make any headway.
Burnham’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched quickly with a crew of four and headed to the scene.
Once alongside, the volunteers confirmed the problem was indeed a fouled prop, leaving the yacht powerless.
Launch Authority Marc Smith says the crew followed RNLI towing policy “to the letter of the law” and agreed that towing the vessel was the safest and most appropriate option.
The yacht, a Burnham boat, was safely towed back to the sailing club where two additional RNLI volunteers in lifejackets assisted the crew in leaving the vessel for the evening.
Marc noted that newly qualified Head Launcher Adam was “thrown straight into action” during the tasking.
Marc added that both the boat owners and Milford Haven Coastguard were extremely grateful for the assistance given, praising the volunteers for their professionalism throughout the call‑out.
