Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers assist yacht with engine failure

RNLI volunteers were paged at 1.42pm after HM Coastguard was alerted to the stranded yacht.

The yacht's owner was returning to his berth on the River Brue when the engine cut out at the entrance of the river.

Light winds meant that he was unable to make any headway.

At 1.55pm, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian were launched, shortly followed by Burnham’s D class lifeboat Burnham Reach.

The Atlantic lifeboat crew discovered the yacht in the vicinity of Burnham's Lighthouse. It was then towed to the visitor’s pontoon at Burnham Sailing club.

Once secured, both lifeboats were returned to Burnham jetty for a wash down.

Helmsman Stuart Lacey said: "We discovered the yacht in the main channel, near Burnham’s iconic lighthouse, unsuccessfully trying to sail against the outgoing tide.

"We towed the yacht back to Burnham Sailing club, leaving it secured to the visitors pontoon.

"The yacht was well prepared with the correct safety gear. An engine can play up at any time. The crew were pleased to see us and we were glad to be able to help."