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RNLI and Coastguard saved landing craft

The Burnham-On-Sea's Coastguards and lifeboats were called out on Apr 15, 2017, at 8.20 p.m. to help the "Patriot" which was taking on water in the Bristol Channel near Hinkley Point power statio and had to be towed to Burnham-On-Sea Yacht Club by Burnham RNLI. The landing craft with a drop-front - had experienced difficulties when its ramp had dropped mid-journey, leading to water engulfing the craft. The crew onboard had struggled to lift the ramp back up and tie it in place, however a member of the crew had then begun to experience signs of hypothermia due to the cold northerly winds out on the water. The Watchet Coastguard Team, plus lifeboats from Minehead, Barry Dock and Burnham were called to help, along with the Coastguard helicopter. The helicopter winched several water pumps onboard the vessel to help it stay afloat and the hypothermic crew member was taken to safety. The Burnham-on-Sea RNLI volunteers liaised with Minehead and Barry Dock lifeboats. It was decided to bring the landing craft, under it's own power to the safety of the Sailing Club pontoons in the River Brue. The crew of Burnham RNLI lifeboat "Staines Whitfield" led the way whilst Barry Dock followed. Once safely in the Brue the decision was taken to beach the vessel in the vicinity of the sailing club.This was aided by the station lifeboat and shore team volunteers using ropes and the station launch tractor. Report with photo: http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2017/boat-rescued-15-04-17.php