Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards, BARB’s rescue hovercrafts and RNLI were called out on Saturday July 26th to a stranded yacht aground near Stert Island.
The 20ft double keeled yacht had been left high and dry on the mudflats after the tide receded west of Stert Island.
A bird watcher on the nearby marshes had spotted the vessel aground around 2.40pm and raised the alarm.
Coastguards called out BARB’s hovercrafts and one craft, with two Coastguard mud technicians onboard, flew out to the yacht to check on the welfare of those onboard as there had been no radio contact.
After reaching the vessel, the man onboard confirmed to the crews he was happy to wait onboard the yacht until the next high tide refloated it, adding that he had ample supplies.
Later in the day, at 7.08pm, the RNLI was called out to try and help the yacht safely off the mudflats in strong onshore winds.
“Unfortunately, with the fast incoming tide, onshore winds also increased, and the experienced local skipper had found himself in difficulties – as all experienced skippers do at some stage.”
“He had made exactly the right decision in calling the Coastguard for assistance. Arriving on scene, the Atlantic crew realised that the depth of water made it particularly difficult for them to reach the yacht, so our D class (which has a shallower draught) was also tasked.”
“The D class was more able to get closer to the casualty vessel but given the position of the yacht, the sea state and wind strength and direction, attaching a tow line proved far from straightforward. After several unsuccessful attempts to establish a tow it was decided to take the skipper off the yacht.”
“A tow line was finally secured and, as the rising tide and strong wind were washing the yacht into deeper water where it could be a hazard to other shipping, both the vessel and skipper were taken to safety of the sailing club pontoons.”
“Both Burnham lifeboats were recovered in a lively sea, with skill required from the Helms and recovery vehicle driver. After a wash down of the boats and preparation for the next call, our volunteer crews returned home just before 11pm.”
Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Duty Launch Authority Nigel Morton added: “This was our second shout in two days, and what was on paper a fairly straightforward tasking was made challenging given the location of the yacht, the sea state and the wind.”
“All involved did a fantastic job executing the rescue in a safe and professional way throughout. As always, it’s good to be able to sit back and reflect on a shout which started with the yacht skipper making the right call at the right time in asking for assistance, and ended with a good outcome.”
