Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers assist a missing person search

We were tasked to a missing male somewhere in the vicinity of Steart marshes.

The D class lifeboat Burnham Reach was launched with four crew on board to give plenty of eyes for the search ahead. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat Doris Day and Brian also had its full compliment, including helm and navigator, with both boats on the water by 9.56 pm

The D class made its way around the back of Steart island to commence a search from east to west from Fenning Island along Steart marshes, while coastguard control requested the Atlantic 85 crew to begin at Hinkley and search from west to east.

Helmsman Marc Smith said; ‘Both boats began shoreline searches from the given starting positions, but around 40 mins into the search the police found the person towards the westerly end of Steart marshes. Thankfully, a positive outcome.’

Good efforts by both crews who were on the scene within minutes to commence shoreline searches as we so often train for. Both lifeboats were stood down by Milford, and returned to Burnham for recovery and washdown by the Burnham volunteer shore crew, with station vacated by 11.30 pm

END

Notes for Editors

For more information please contact Mike Lang, volunteer lifeboat press officer at Burnham-on-Sea Lifeboat Station on 07889 815860 or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI200

On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrated 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200^th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.