A MAN has been taken to hospital with spinal injuries after falling on rocks near Burnham-on-Sea Yacht Club. 

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at 4.24pm today (March 16) by a volunteer crew member from Clevedon Coastguard after he saw a drunk man who had fallen on the rock armour by the river bank. 

A spokesman for Burnham Coastguard, said: "The person was thought to have spinal injuries so it was important to stabilise him once the alarm had been raised.

"Our HM Coastguard operations room tasked our team, the police and an ambulance.

"Once the Police arrived on scene there were more people to help to stabilise the person and keep the person calm."

When the Coastguard arrived crews placed the man in a neck collar to ensure no more damage was done to the man's spine. 

After assessing the man it was clear he needed to be taken to hospital so the Coastguard helped to lift the man onto a spinal board and into an ambulance. 

He was then taken to hospital for treatment. 

The Coastguard praised their Clevedon colleague for his quick thinking. 

"Lucky for the guy one of our Coastguards from Clevedon was in the immediate area and without hesitation called it in and took charge of the person until further assets arrived.

"It goes to show that no matter where or when, if an emergency occurs then we are always ready.

"Fantastic multi-agency team work from different services all carried out in friendly and professional environment.

"One thing we would like to highlight is that we fielded many calls from people saying that it was to do with the missing person Dean Tate.
"This wasn't the case and we ask that people bear in mind this is still an ongoing incident by the Police and not to assume any different until official information is received.

If you see anyone in danger or difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard