BOTH Burnham-on-Sea lifeboats were launched to assist the crew of a disabled motor cruiser.

Lifeboats Staines Whitfield and Puffin were launched at 2.30pm at the bottom of the tide, which meant a very muddy launch and a potentially muddy recovery.

The volunteer crews proceeded down a narrow channel in the River Parrett until they spotted the 24ft motor cruiser Mustique, anchored in the Severn Estuary approximately three miles north from Hinkley Point power station.

On reaching the vessel it transpired that the crew of three were unable to restart the engines after an extended fishing session.

Helmsman/mechanic Nick Prout boarded the vessel and diagnosed the problem, enabling the restarting of engines, and sending the power boat on its way back to Portishead.

The lifeboats returned to Burnham-on-Sea where the newly extended bog mats proved invaluable in an effective but muddy recovery by the shore crew.

Nick said: “The motor boat was in good order and well equipped with radio, lifejackets, and other safety equipment.

“They were just unlucky but able to seek assistance notifying the coastguard via their radio. We were happy to render assistance.”

For details about Burnham-on-Sea RNLI activities, please visit www.burnham-on-searnli.org.uk