A search is currently underway for a trimaran that is reported to have run aground off the coast of Burnham-on-Sea, north Somerset, two days after it was rescued for being lost in the same area.

Relief Mersey Class All weather lifeboat exercising off Ilfracombe. Credit: RNLI

The 25ft trimaran, Star of Burnham, had left Burnham on Sea on Sunday on passage to Whitstable, Kent. The boat owner contacted Swansea Coastguard after the yacht suffered a broken throttle cable and the crew were uncertain of their location. The vessel was located by an RAF Rescue Helicopter and due to poor weather conditions was towed into Barry, south Wales.

At 11:45 this morning (Tuesday) the owner of the Star of Burnham contacted Swansea Coastguard to inform them that he had set sail again to head back to Burnham-on-Sea but has now grounded the vessel on mudflats off the Burnham coast. Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard Rescue Team are currently in communication with the man via his handheld radio and are attempting to locate the stricken vessel. Provided the catamaran has not suffered damage an attempt will be made for it to refloat on high water.

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager Steve Jones said:

“When the Star of Burnham was towed into Barry dock on Sunday night it was found to be without lifejackets, flares, charts or a VHF radio on board. It is ludicrous to set off not only without any experience but also without any of the appropriate safety equipment on board.

“This Captain Calamity figure has cost the time and effort of lifeboat and helicopter crews and Coastguard Rescue Teams on two occasions in two days.”