Press Notice No: 336-08
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Posted 16:44 GMT

A search is currently underway for a trimaran that is reported to have run aground off the coast of Burnham-on-Sea two days after it was rescued for being lost in the same area on Sunday.

The 25ft vessel Star of Burnham was located by an RAF Rescue Helicopter and was subsequently towed by Ilfracombe RNLI lifeboat on Sunday night. Due to poor weather conditions the tow was taken over by Barry Dock lifeboat and the trimaran was towed into Barry with two persons on board.

At 11:45 this morning the owner of the Star of Burnham contacted Swansea Coastguard to inform them that he had set sail again to head back to Burnham-on-Sea but has now grounded the vessel on mudflats off the Burnham coast. Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard Rescue Team are currently in communication with the man via his handheld radio and are attempting to locate the stricken vessel. Provided the catamaran has not suffered damage an attempt will be made for it to refloat on high water.

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager Steve Jones said:

When the Star of Burnham was towed into Barry dock on Sunday night it was found to be without lifejackets, flares, charts or a VHF radio on board. It is irresponsible enough to go out on the water without sufficient maritime knowledge, but it is ludicrous to set off not only without any experience but also without any of the appropriate safety equipment on board.

This Captain Calamity figure has cost the time and effort of lifeboat and helicopter crews and Coastguard Rescue Teams on two occasions in two days. We hope that this second experience will serve as a reminder to both the vessel owner and members of the public to ensure that you do not take on marine leisure activities that are beyond your comfort zone and capabilities and to always carry the relevant safety equipment on board whenever you set out onto the water.


Posted By: Rosie Tapping

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401