BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S RNLI volunteers help rescue a grounded yacht near the River Brue.

Shortly after 1pm on Thursday afternoon the crew were page to assist a grounded yacht, which had run aground on the spit at the mouth of the River Brue.

The casualty was a 16ft bilge keel sailing sloop which the crew of Staines Whitfield helped to refloat before escorting the boat back to her moorings.

Both lifeboats returned to the beach for recovery and wash down at the lifeboat station.

Helmsman Nick Edrich said: "The yachtsman had been caught unawares by a sudden gust of wind while exiting the river.

"He soon found himself aground on the river bank on a lee shore, with the top of the tide fortunately not too far away.

Deputy launch authority Phil Counsell added: "This was a textbook operation, well executed. As always many thanks to the crew that attended."