THE irresponsible actions of a boat owner jeopardised the safety of five people drift ing out to sea, Minehead's lifeboat boss has said.

The station's D class lifeboat was blocked by parked cars when a number of people were caught out by changing winds on Tuesday evening.

Now, lifeboat manager Kevin Escott has issued a plea to boat owners to keep the lifeboat slipway clear.

Both Minehead lifeboats were scrambled after a 999 call when two males in an inflat able rubber ring and three girls an inflatable dinghy got into difficulties off Minehead beach.

Initially the men were thought to be in dif ficulties when sea and wind conditions changed and they were in danger of being swept out to sea.

The station's D class Lifeboat was called but was unable to launch because of the obstruction.

The men managed to swim ashore but were forced to abandon their rubber ring.

At the same time three girls, who were also drifting further out to sea, attempted to swim ashore towing their inflatable craft.

The station's Atlantic 75 Lifeboat recovered the girls and returned them safely to the lifeboat station.

Lifeboat operations manager Mr Escott said: "The irresponsible actions of the people blocking the slipway greatly hampered our launch and it was only good fortune that no one was injured.

"We rely on getting to sea in all conditions as quickly as possible when people get into difficulties.

"Our D Class lifeboat was unable to launch as parked cars belonging to a boat owner were left at the bottom of the council-owned slipway while repairs were being carried out on a boat."

And he urged holidaymakers not to put to sea in inflatable craft.

"The sudden change in sea and wind con ditions caught these people out.

"They are only suitable for use in swim ming pools," he said.