Plaque presentation by Prince Edward

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, visited Burnham Coastguard station as part of his unveiling of a plaque to mark the fifth anniversary of the Burnham Area Rescue Boat associations' 'Spirit of Lelaina' hovercraft going into service on April 24th.

The hovercraft was introduced following the death of 5 year old Lelaina Hall on the mudflats at Brean, and since then the coastguard team at Burnham have worked closely with the BARB charity in using the hovercraft to rescue persons stuck on the expansive mudflats in the area.

As part of his visit, Prince Edward spent some time with the coastguard team and discussed mud rescue techniques and how the hovercraft has improved the safety to the rescuers as well as those in difficulty on the mud.

The Prince was due to watch a demonstration of the hovercraft after the plaque unveiling ceremony, but just as the demonstration was about to start the coastguard team and hovercraft were tasked to an incident involving two fishermen who had become trapped between the incoming tide and deep mud. Fortunately the coastguard team were able to escort them to safety without any injury.