BURNHAM-on-Sea RNLI faced force five winds after they were called to reports of a life raft floating in Weston-super-Mare. 

The Weston D class lifeboat was originally tasked to investigate the empty raft at Woodspring Bay but the crashing waves and strong winds made recovery of the vessel impossible.

Milford Haven Coastguard control then paged Burnham RNLI at around 5.30pm on July 24 to launch their larger and heavier, Atlantic 75 lifeboat to rescue the raft. 

Burnham lifeboat crews speedily launched the Staines Whitfield lifeboat and made their way towards Woodspring Bay. 

But heavy sea's and force five winds made it almost impossible for Burnham crews to recover the vessel and the crew were made to stand down by Milford Coastguard at 6.20pm. 

Kevin Barber, lifeboat helmsman for Burnham RNLI said: "The strong force five winds and heavy seas were difficult and Milford Coastguard decided to stand us down, as there was no life in danger and the raft would eventually be washed ashore anyway."