Weston RNLI Called Out To Kite Surfers

WESTON-super-Mare RNLI Lifeboats launched to the aid of kite surfers over the weekend.

The crew were alerted on Saturday to thier first service of 2010 when two kite surfers were spotted apparently in difficulties off Brean Down.

At 1:35pm a member of the public reported a possible kite surfer in trouble off the fort at Brean Down.

They informed the coastguard who requested the lifeboats be launched.

Because there was a possibility of a person in the water the RAF Helicopter was also requested.

The Weston lifeboats, the Atlantic 75 Coventry and Warwickshire and the relief D Class Bobby’s Boat, were launched within a few minutes and arrived to search the area less than ten minutes later.

There was no sign of vessels in trouble or bodies off the fort but they sighted an object near the mouth of the River Axe which turned out to be a 10 foot inflatable dinghy.

It had two kite surfers on board who had given up surfing because of lack of wind but were unable to get back up the Axe to their mooring because their engine had failed and the current was too strong.

The Atlantic 75 and helicopter were stood down and the D Class towed the dinghy back up the river

and ensured they were safely landed ashore before leaving the scene and returning to station.

The boats were re-fuelled, washed down and ready for service at 4:05pm.

RNLI Helmsman Liam McDermott said "The occupants were struggling because of the fierce current so were glad of our help.

"They were well equipped with lifejackets and protective clothing. The only thing they lacked was an anchor which could have stopped them being carried so easily out to sea.

"We would always advise that any vessel out at sea has an anchor powerful enough to hold the boat as it is a valuable piece of safety equipment which can save lives."