The skipper of a yacht was rescued after their vessel ran aground near the marshes of Somerset. The RNLI was dispatched to the scene off Steart Marshes at approximately 7:08 pm on Saturday, July 26, following reports of a yacht stuck between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater.
Initially, the skipper had planned to wait for the next incoming tide to refloat the yacht. However, with onshore winds and a rapidly rising tide creating hazardous conditions, the skipper wisely contacted the coastguard for assistance.
Rescue teams faced significant challenges reaching the yacht due to shallow waters. A specialized shallow-draught vessel was needed to approach and safely tow the yacht back. After several attempts, the RNLI successfully secured a tow line and guided the yacht and its skipper to safety at a nearby sailing club pontoon.
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Burnham-on-Sea Duty Launch Authority Nigel Morton commented, “This was our second callout in two days. What seemed like a straightforward operation became quite complex because of the yacht’s location, sea conditions, and wind. Everyone involved performed exceptionally well, ensuring a safe and professional rescue from start to finish. It’s always reassuring when a skipper makes the right decision to seek help promptly, resulting in a positive outcome.”