A LIFEBOAT had to be towed through the Bristol Channel in ‘challenging conditions’ yesterday following a fire on board.

Milford Haven coastguard control received a report of a fire on board a 47 ft Watson lifeboat conversion power cruiser, and immediately, Barry Dock off-shore lifeboat was alerted and the Burnham-on-Sea RNLI inshore lifeboats were paged to launch at 4.18 pm.

By the time Barry Dock lifeboat had located, and reached the casualty,  the fire had been extinguished, but  the vessel was drifting in the strong South Westerly winds, needing urgent assistance. 

The Burnham-on-Sea volunteer crews reached the casualty shortly afterwards.

It was decided to take the casualty to the safety of Barry Docks and Barry Dock lifeboat took the tow, while the Burnham-on-Sea lifeboats returned home, for recovery and wash down by the shore crew. 

Burnham RNLI Helmsman Nick Edrich said: “The fire was apparently caused by an oily rag in the engine compartment, but had been extinguished by the time we arrived on scene.

“Winds were approximately force 3 – 4, with moderate seas, but the heavy Bristol Channel chop made progress difficult in challenging conditions. 

“Barry Dock lifeboat crew towed the vessel to safety.”