Burnham-On-Sea’s RNLI lifeboats were called out on Friday evening (June 5th) to help rescue a grounded fishing boat on Stert Island.
The boat was reported to have run aground on the westerly side of the island opposite Burnham-On-Sea shortly after 8pm.
Both RNLI lifeboats were launched and proceeded to the area, where the 30ft fishing boat was confirmed to be aground and being pounded by heavy surf.
After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, it was decided to use Puffin, Burnham’s D class lifeboat, to pass a line to the vessel.
Once completed, the crews pulled the fishing boat off the beach, through the breaking heavy surf.
The sea state on the westerly side of the island was reported to be moderate to heavy with south westerly winds estimated at force 4, gusting 5 at times.
Once clear, the fishing boat was able to proceed under its own power, accompanied by the Atlantic 75 lifeboat Staines Whitfield, to its Burnham mooring in the River Brue.
Lifeboat helmsman Nick Edrich told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “These were the most extreme conditions I have ever worked in. The breaking waves and heavy surf made the job very difficult.”
