RNLI volunteers from Burnham-on-Sea were called out to Bridgwater on a freezing Friday evening to recover an individual in the River Parrett. 

The incident occurred just before 9.30pm on Friday, November 15, 2024. Volunteers were paged by HM Coastguard at Milford Haven after concern for someone in the River Parrett at Bridgwater. 

Burnham-on-Sea’s D-class lifeboat, Burnham Reach, was quickly launched on service. 

Helmsman, Marc Smith explained: “Once on the water we confirmed tasking with Milford and proceeded to the location.”

“As we approached the mouth of the Brue at Burnham Sailing club we were hit a thick wall of fog, therefore commenced preparing a navigation plan up the Parrett.”

“Whilst we were planning our route, Milford informed us the police had recovered the person and stood us down.”

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police located the man, aged 35, in the nearby river and pulled him to safety. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The RNLI team returned to the slipway for recovery to the Lifeboat Station and had a quick wash down. Thick fog and temperatures had just hit zero as the team launched.