Page Content: The Tyne Class lifeboat has been stationed at the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station for over twenty five years. Since 1909, lifeboats have launched down the slipway at Moelfre to saves lives at sea.  Now that Moelfre is home to the modern Tamar class lifeboat, a new boathouse will be built to accommodate the larger, faster and modern vessel.

The Tyne Class lifeboat has been stationed at the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station for over twenty five years.

In her time saving lives from the dangerous seas off the Anglesey coast she has launched 394 times on rescue missions, saved 92 lives and rescued 419 people. She is now officially the oldest operational RNLI lifeboat of any class in the entire UK and Ireland RNLI lifeboat fleet.

The ‘Robert & Violet’ arrived at Moelfre in January 1988 and was equipped with all the modern state of the art equipment. The cost of the 47foot lifeboat was £532,057 and this was provided as a generous gift from an anonymous donor.

The first Rescue mission carried out by the ‘Robert & Violet’ was on 14 April 1988. The lifeboat launched at 7.25pm to the aid of the 76ft youth training ketch ‘Greater Manchester Challenge’ with17 crew on board. The vessel had sustained engine failure 19 miles off Amlwch, and the lifeboat crew towed the vessel to Carmel head where the tow was taken over by the Holyhead lifeboat. They arrived back at the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station at 01.30am.

For her last voyage she had two retired crewmembers on board her. Ex- Coxswain Tony Dennis and ex- assistant Mechanic John Payne. Both Tony and John were part of the passage crew who brought her up from Poole a quarter of a century earlier on her first journey as the Moelfre lifeboat and it was only fitting that they should take her on her last journey away from Moelfre.

The Moelfre RNLI lifeboat volunteer crew have now completed their training on the new £2.7 million Tamar class lifeboat ‘Kiwi’ which arrived at the station on 4th March. Whilst this intense training has taken place the ‘Robert & Violet’ has continued to maintain cover.


Moelfre RNLI lifeboat Operations Manager Rod Pace said:

‘The ‘Robert & Violet’ has been an outstanding lifeboat and served the RNLI at Moelfre well. I have served as a volunteer crew member and Second Coxswain on board her and have nothing but praise for the way she has always performed in all weather conditions. It was sad to see her leave Moelfre, where she has served for over a quarter of a century. However we must look towards the future and our new Tamar class Lifeboat will improve the lifesaving capabilities of the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station with her advanced technology and improved speed. It was lovely to see the retired crewmembers on board her and it was a very emotional experience for all of us who have known her for such a long time. We wish her and her new volunteer crew all the very best’.

The ‘Robert & Violet’ will now become the Lough Swilly Lifeboat and continue saving lives from the sea off the Irish coast.


Ends.



Notes to editors
• Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1830. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.moelfrernli.com 
• Attached is an image of the Moelfre RNLI volunteer crew before the last launch of the ‘Robert & Violet’
• Attached is an image of the last launch of the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat “Robert & Violet”.
• This year’s Moelfre Lifeboat day will be held on Saturday August 10th 2013



RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Dave Massey, Moelfre RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press officer on 07917 267213


RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coast. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Elusen sydd wedi ei chofrestru yn Lloegr, yr Alban a Gweriniaeth Iwerddon

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Liverpool Coastguard had requested lifeboat assistance after they received a 999 call from a worried member of the public to the effect that a large cabin cruiser appeared to have broken free from a mooring and was floating from side to side of Walney Channel in amongst other moored craft, north of Jubilee Bridge.

At the time, the weather was fine with good visibility, but the wind was Force six from the North West and this was directly against the fast flowing mid range tide which was due to reach 8.8 metres at 10.33am.

The alarm was raised at 9.18am and the Vision of Tamworth was launched just 12 minutes later, crewed by Paul Wilcock and Ben Jackson under the command of Deputy 2nd Coxswain Dave Kell.

The lifeboat quickly covered the three miles to Walney Bridge and following a search of the area the vessel was located near to the Slag Bank.

It was the MV Alador, a 50 foot cruiser weighing in at 32 tons, with two crew aboard. The vessel had been on passage from Glasson Dock to Whitehaven the previous day when the crew experienced rough weather crossing Morecambe Bay, so they decided to put in to the safe moorings at Barrow for the night.

Earlier in the day they had resumed their journey intending to take the north passage out of Walney Channel into the Duddon Estuary, but as that area is uncharted they had been unaware of the lack of water depth. 

The skipper then made a series of manoeuvres at slow speed to try and find a deeper channel. These had been seen by the member of the public and appeared to show that the vessel was drifting whilst unmanned.

Barrow inshore lifeboat assisted by escorting the vessel to a safe mooring where the crew gave the skipper advice on the tides and local knowledge on how best to leave the port on the next tide.

The lifeboat returned to station and was rehoused and ready for the next service by 11am.

RNLI  media contacts
For more information please telephone John Falvey, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Barrow on 0781–5691128, or Alison Levett, Media Relations Manager for North Division on 01642-750585, or mobile 07786-668912, or online at alevett@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Notes to editors
Barrow lifeboat station has been operating since 1864. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/barrow

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The road is subject to flooding on certain tides. The pair had driven from the car park and are believed to have driven into the water until the engine flooded. When RNLI volunteer crew arrived they were sitting inside the car; the water had risen just above the sills and had entered the vehicle.

The hovercraft was unable to get to the vehicle, so the crew walked over the bank to assist the casualty; they then pushed the car onto higher ground.
 
Hunstanton volunteer crew waited with the couple believed to be in their seventies until Wells Coastguard managed to get their 4x4 vehicle down the road. Wells Coastguard took the couple to the Ship Inn at Brancaster where they were going to make arrangements to have the car recovered and checked over.

High Water 5.43 p.m.  Wind NW 3  Sea state rough ground swell at Brancaster

Also involved were Hunstanton Fire Service and the police.

Our advice to visitors when visiting local beauty spots in the area, is to check the tide times, as several of the local harbour areas flood at certain tides. Big tides are expected this weekend, so take care and have a nice time.

Ends

RNLI media contacts

• Geoff Needham /  Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer
Home 01485525409 Mobile 07932 026265 email hunstanton@rnli.org.uk
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East)
0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / tim_ash@rnli.org.uk
• Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East)
0207 6207425 / 07786 668825 / philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789.

Page Content: Three crew members, Jan Philp, Nial Hoddinott and Adam Russell found the lady being comforted by other walkers.  She was holding her arm across her body.

Her arm was then secured and she was walked to the inshore lifeboat and taken to meet an ambulance at Caffa Mill car park in Fowey where she was attended to by paramedics.  Fortunately, even though the wind was force 5, it was a northerly and therefore the sea was flat so good time was made in comfort.

The lifeboat returned to station at 4pm.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Cath Ellis, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fowey RNLI on 07969 693218.  Other RNLI media contacts include Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager, on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk For urgent calls out of hours please contact the Duty RNLI Press Officer on 01202 336789.   

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Several calls where received by the Coastguard of a 5 metre fishing boat, which had anchored at the entrance to the River Afan and appeared to be in trouble. The vessel, with two males on board, had anchored at the entrance to the River Afan at Port Talbot in very heavy seas, with the wind gusting upto force 6 and swells of 1.5 metres and its anchor was dragging.

Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat was tasked and was soon on scene. The occupants were advised to return to the launch site due to the severe weather conditions, which they agreed to do. The lifeboat then escorted the vessel back to the launch site where they were met by the local Coastguard. The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station. 

 

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Mel Cooper, Port Talbot Lifeboat Press Officer on 01639 894335.

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RNLI Longhope Lifeboat Helen Comrie and RNLI Stromness Lifeboat Violet, Dorothy and Kathleen worked together on an evening exercise earlier this month.

The main purpose was to practise towing procedures. They simulated a scenario where one boat had run aground. The attending lifeboat practised the approach, setting up the tow rope and the tow.

A successful and valuable exercise for both crews and a great turn out of volunteers.

RNLI media contacts:

Mary Harris, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope, 07709 692811, maryharris3pg@btinternet.com

 

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The service was opened by Terry Thompson, Director of the Hoy Trust, at the the new memorial in Lyness.

Among those paying tribute was Sergey K. Krutikov, the Consul General of the Russian Federation in Edinburgh. He  made an interesting and moving speech before placing a wreath on the memorial.

It was a particularly significant event for Jamie Wild, Assistant Mechanic with RNLI Longhope Lifeboat. His father Fred Wild, a Chief Stoker in the Royal Navy, survived being in the Arctic Convoys.

After the memorial service, Jamie and Sergey shared  a few special words together in memory of his father.

RNLI media contacts:

Mary Harris, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope, 07709 692811, maryharris3pg@btinternet.com

 

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The lifeboat, under Coxswain Brian O’Driscoll, was launched after several members of the public reported seeing two red flares in an area between Hungary Hill and Bere Island in west Cork.

The Annette Hutton was underway within minutes and arrived to the search area with 20 minutes at 8.15pm.

Conditions on scene were calm with a force three north-north westerly wind.

A comprehensive shoreline and sea search from Adrigole harbour across to Bere Island yielded no results.

Having completed a thorough search of the area, the lifeboat was stood down at 9.30pm by Valentia Coast Guard.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Paul Stevens, Castletownbere RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 086-6015110 or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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The owner of the boat contacted the emergency services at about 3.45pm after his vessel was blown up onto a lee shore near Cockle Rock in Renville.

Galway RNLI Lifeboat arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and were assisted by the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115 which was in the area at the time.

A lifeboat crew member swam ashore and helped transport the man onto the lifeboat along with the vessel’s kit. He did not require medical assistance and was brought back to Galway Docks.

The lifeboat returned to Renville, accompanied by local boat Tranquility, in an attempt to take the distressed sailboat from the rocks but the operation proved unsafe and was abandoned.

'The conditions were very difficult at the time as we were working onto a lee shore, gusting five,' explained helm Declan Kililea. 'We had to veer the lifeboat down onto the island to allow our crew member get ashore and get our casualty off and onto the lifeboat'.

 
The lifeboat crew on this call out were helm Declan Killilea, Kieran Tolan, Martin Oliver and Dara Oliver. The fishing vessel Tranquility was skippered by owner Patrick Oliver (also a lifeboat crew member) and Galway RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Barry Heskin.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Regina Daly, Galway RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087-9618355 (m) regdaly@gmail.com or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

Page Content: The Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station has been welcoming thousands of visitors every year, last year alone saw 72,000 people visit the station and the main attraction has always been the 47 foot RNLI lifeboat ‘Robert & Violet’.

Another popular group of visitors are school group visits who have been coming to the station for several years. The RNLI lifeboats visitor officer and volunteer lifeboat crews show the children around the station and educate them on the vital lifesaving work the charity carries out.

Ysgol Gymuned Pentraeth teacher Mrs Williams said;

‘Being a local primary school we are all aware of the important lifesaving work the RNLI crews at Moelfre do every year. We all really enjoyed the talk given by Moelfre lifeboat station volunteer crewmember Gareth Owen. His experience and knowledge really captured the children’s imagination and highlighted to us the fact that this marvellous organisation is a registered charity that really does rely on every single penny donated to save lives at sea. We are also very honoured that we are the last ever school to visit the ‘Robert & Violet’ whilst she still is the Moelfre lifeboat, I have to say she does not look over twenty five years old!’ 

   
Ends.



Notes to editors
• Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since 1830. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.moelfrernli.com 
• Attached is an image of the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat ‘Robert & Violet’ along with the last ever group of school children to visit her along with volunteer crewmember Gareth Owen.
• This year’s Moelfre Lifeboat day will be held on Saturday August 10th 2013




RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Dave Massey, Moelfre RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press officer on 07917 267213


RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coast. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Elusen sydd wedi ei chofrestru yn Lloegr, yr Alban a Gweriniaeth Iwerddon

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The woman had been enjoying the sun on Barry Island beach with friends when she decided to go for a swim.  Unfortunately, the wind and tide pulled her offshore and she was unable to get back to the beach.  A member of the public raised the alarm and the RNLI lifeboat was called. 

Because of the urgency of the situation, pilot boats Robina Fisk and Provident both launched too and made their way to the casualty.  THe crew of the Robina Fisk threw a lifering to the swimmer just before the RNLI lifeboat crew pulled her to safety. 

She was taken to shore where ambulance and police personel were on hand.  The swimmer was treated for hypothermia and shock. 

Senior RNLI volunteer crew member, Dave Phillips, said:

'Thanks to a member of the public calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard, we were able to launch to this swimmer in time to save her life.  This is a timley reminder that you should only swim on a lifeguarded beach.'

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.  To find out more about their vital work, come to the station open day on 29 June, between 10am- 4pm.  Call Elizabeth Matthews on 01446 738923 for more details or search for 'Barry Dock RNLI' on Facebook.

Ends

Media Contacts

For further information, please contact volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Abi Phillips on 07973 293587.

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Barry has been recognised by the charity that saves lives at sea for his courage and boat handling skills during a rescue at night where two men’s lives were saved.

Barry’s award was presented during the RNLI’s annual award ceremony, held at The Barbican in London.

His fellow crew members from Anstruther, on the Fife coast, Euan Hoggan and Rebecca Jewell also attended the ceremony. They will be presented with Thanks from the Institution Inscribed on Vellum at a ceremony in Scotland in recognition of their skill and bravery that night.

This is the 83rd Bronze Medal awarded to a Scottish lifeboat station by the RNLI since the award was introduced in 1917. It is also the first gallantry award presented to a member of crew from Anstruther lifeboat station since the station was established in 1865, over 140 years ago.

Paul Jennings, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager said, ‘Barry deserves to be awarded for his actions on that night. He demonstrated fine boat handling skills and precise judgement, operating at the very limit of what was possible in the conditions.’

Barry said: ‘It is a great honour to receive this award, we are fortunate to receive such a high level of training from the RNLI which gave us the skills to carry out this rescue. I was able to act decisively on the night because I had such confidence in the ability of my crew mates, Becci and Euan. It was very much a team effort, recognition must also go to the shore crew and the crew aboard the all-weather lifeboat.’

Barry works at Rosyth Dockyard and he thanked his employers, Babcock, for their commitment to the RNLI by allowing him time off work to be on the lifeboat.

The D class inshore lifeboat Norma and Bill Burleigh was launched at 1am on 1 August 2012 with volunteer crew members Barry Gourlay, 30, Rebecca Jewell, 30, and Euan Hoggan, 22. The lifeboat was launched to assist two men aboard a vessel which had run aground in poor conditions.

The two casualties, Paul Harrison and his son Sean Harrison had set off from North Shields having planned a passage to the Isle of Man via Peterhead aboard their motorboat Princess a day earlier. They got into difficulty when they encountered a problem with their hydraulic steering and the worsening conditions forced their vessel aground.

The vessel had run aground at Crail, 10 miles south east of St Andrews, the strong winds and swell had driven Princess onto the rocks.

With Senior Helm, Barry, in control, the Anstruther inshore lifeboat (ILB) picked her way through the three metre high breaking waves, shallow water and debris in complete darkness to get to Sean and Paul aboard Princess.

Once the lifeboat crew had Sean and Paul safely aboard the ILB, they made their way out to deeper water and met with Anstruther’s larger all-weather lifeboat (ALB) Kingdom of Fife. Both casualties were transferred to the ALB and brought ashore in Anstruther.

Speaking of Barry and the rest of the crew, Paul Harrison said, ‘To do what he did with that boat in those conditions - that takes something.

‘They were just fantastic, there wasn’t anything that they didn’t do for us, a lot of people don’t realise that they’re not paid for it, they have jobs as well and they’re putting their lives in jeopardy to save other people.’

Michael Vlasto, RNLI Operations Director, said: ‘Helmsman Gourlay’s command decisions and decisive actions underpinned by exceptional boat-handling, and expert seamanship undoubtedly saved the lives of these two men – they would not have made it to shore alive if they had attempted to swim and, not long after the rescue, the Princess was driven further onto the rocks. Crew members Jewell and Hoggan also demonstrated tremendous bravery in supporting Helmsman Gourlay in what were extremely difficult conditions.’

Video:

A reconstruction of the rescue is available at this link: http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=nVRLO7nR

Pictures (credit: RNLI):

Anstruther1: Left to right, Rebecca, Barry and Euan
Anstruther2: Left Paul Harrison and his son Sean.
Anstruther3: The damaged motorboat Princess.

RNLI media contacts:

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, henry_weaver@rnli.org.uk

Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, richard_smith2@rnli.org.uk

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

Page Content: The skipper of the yacht had been at sea for most of the night, having set off from Milford Haven in strong force 6 to 7 gusting winds.  During passage, the hatch of the 26 foot yacht had slammed on his hand, and he’d been forced to request assistance from Falmouth Coastguard.

Padstow’s volunteer crew launched the RNLI all weather Tamar lifeboat The Spirit of Padstow at 6.12am this morning, on reaching the casualty, the seas were too big to be able to transfer a crew member on board the yacht safely. Communicating by radio, Padstow RNLI advised the yacht’s skipper to head towards Newquay and some shelter and requested the backup of Newquay RNLI.

Newquay’s Atlantic inshore RNLI lifeboat with four volunteer crew onboard were on scene at 8.08am and as the inshore lifeboat is smaller, were able to get alongside the yacht and put RNLI crew member and paramedic, Christian Brown onboard to assess the casualty’s injuries. As well as being tired and exhausted after being a sea in challenging conditions all night, the skipper needed hospital attention for his injuries. He was transferred to the Newquay inshore lifeboat, and transferred back to Newquay where paramedics were waiting on scene.

Meanwhile Padstow lifeboat stood by and took the yacht in tow and began a long, six hour passage back to Padstow harbour.

Michael England, RNLI Station Mechanic said;

‘Conditions at sea were extremely rough, with a strong wind and big seas, it was great team work between the two RNLI teams from the two stations to provide assistance to the yachtsman and ensure he had immediate hospital treatment. It’s been a long passage back to Padstow for the volunteer crew, in total they will have been at sea for eight hours. Although arduous to them, we should thank their family’s and places of work, who generously allow them this time to provide this service to those in need.’

Notes to Editors
• Footage of the rescue filmed by the Newquay RNLI lifeboat crew is available to download from www.rnli.org.uk/press

• Please find attached a couple of screen grabs taken from the footage credit RNLI/Newquay

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Amy Caldwell, RNLI Press Officer on 01752 842464 or amy_caldwell@rnli.org.uk or Tamsin Thomas Public Relations Manager on 07786668847
 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

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In total €1500 was raised through the annual sale of the club’s calendar which was sold through local shops and featured images of Howth. Half of the money was donated to the RNLI and the rest to the Howth Active Retirement group. 
 
Gus Quigley, President of the Asgard Angling Club said, “The RNLI is a local charity, and as boat users it gives us great peace of mind to know that the volunteer lifeboat crew will always be there if we ever need them. My own father, Lawrence was a member of the lifeboat crew in Howth for 42 years”.
 
“The Asgard Angling Club in Howth are great supporters of the RNLI and the funds raised will ensure that our lifeboat crews go to sea with the best equipment and training available to ensure their safety when saving lives at sea”, according to Rose Michael, Howth RNLI Fundraising Chairperson.   
 
Ends
 
Notes to editors
 
Photo Details
Photo Caption: Paul Mackey, Declan Byrne, Rose Michael, Colm Crean, Gus Quigley & Jim Lawless Credit: Howth RNLI / Tara Murphy.

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Tara Murphy, Howth RNLI Volunteer Fundraising Press Officer, on +353861009133 or at murphytara@eircom.net or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Divisional Media Relations Manager, on 0871254124 or 018900460 or at Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk
 

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Josh Stewart, Ian Jewell and Morwenna Chapman will set off from Swansea in their sea kayaks on Saturday (25 May) and expect to reach Llandudno 13 days later.

Their purpose is to raise money towards the re-build of Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station, which is required to house the new RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat and tractor which will replace their current Atlantic 75 lifeboat.

Along their journey, the trio aim to visit as many RNLI lifeboat stations as possible, calling in to see fellow crew volunteer members and station personnel.

Morwenna and Josh are both outdoor pursuits’ instructors at the Outward Bound Centre in Aberdyfi and Ian has also spent several years there as an instructor until changing careers recently, hence their enthusiasm and experience.

The challenge is the first of its kind for Josh and Morwenna but not for Ian.  Ian completed a similar challenge on the south coast of England back in 2008, kayaking from Plymouth to Bude, again, raising money for the RNLI.

The money raised this time will be allocated specifically towards the work required on the new boathouse in Aberdyfi and it is hoped that individuals and in particular, local businesses, will support the challenge.  Posters have been distributed around the village publicising the fundraising event and listing the local businesses that have sponsored the event.

Anyone interested in supporting the three intrepid kayakers in their efforts can donate online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/welshseakayakjourney and can keep up with events at www.facebook.com by searching for welsh sea kayak journey.  

Notes to editors

Pictured is Aberdyfi RNLI Lifeboat Station with current RNLI Lifeboat Atlantic 75 Sandwell Lifeline and launch tractor. Featured from left to right – Josh Stewart, Ian Jewell, Morwenna Chapman.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Danielle Rush, RNLI Public Relations Manager in Wales on 07786 668829 or Dave Bowen, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01654 767352 or 07703 317771 or dave@davebowen.co.uk. Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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Victoria, who is currently studying for 'A' levels at Eirias High School will be adding her support on some of the occasions when the lifeboat is put on static display at events in north and mid-Wales such as galas, shows, open days and exhibitions.
 
She will however be 'off duty' in June when she flies to Houston, Texas to compete in the 'Miss Teen World contest'.

Ends

Pictured is Victoria on board the lifeboat at a recent Colwyn Bay event, accompanied by Llandudno Lifeboat Guild chairman Ted Watson.
 
Media Contacts

For further information, please contact Alan Sharp, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on
01492 543315.

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The 32ft yacht, with two people on board, was on passage from the Azores to the Hebrides when it was pounded by heavy seas and winds 150 miles southwest of Mizen Head.

The yacht was demasted and a ‘Mayday’ called yielded no results.

The crew was assisted by a Spanish fishing boat and then by the navy.

The lifeboat, under the command of Second Coxswain Paul Stevens, met with the LE Aoife four miles southwest of Ardnakinna lighthouse and transferred the two sailors, both in their late 60s, aboard the lifeboat.

Conditions on scene were moderate. 

The lifeboat then attached a tow and brought the stricken vessel to Castletownbere arriving at the pier at 7pm.

Commenting on the call-out, Tony O'Sullivan, Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'The survivors are very happy to be on dry land after five very difficult days at sea. They are extremely grateful to the navy and the lifeboat crew for bringing them to safety'.
 
Ends
 
RNLI media contacts
For information contact Paul Stevens Castletownbere RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 086 6015110 or email lifeboat1744@eircom.net or contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124, email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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On Saturday 18th at 4.50pm Humber coastguard requested the launch of RNLI Whitby inshore lifeboat to assist a surfer, thought to be in trouble north of Whitby Pavilion.

The inshore lifeboat OEM Stone III was launched at 5.04pm and proceeded to the scene, where on arrival they found that the surfer was all right and had no problems.

They returned to station and were made ready for service once again at 5.15pm.

On Sunday 19th May 2013 Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Whitby’s relief all-weather lifeboat to assist the 9 metre fishing vessel Deep Harmony with two people onboard, which had broken down with fuel problems at Kettleness.

The lifeboat launched at 6.45pm and proceeded to the scene. On arrival the crew found Deep Harmony attached to its crab pots. A tow was connected and both vessels returned safely back to Whitby harbour arriving there at 7.30pm. 

Later that night, Humber Coastguard contacted Whitby’s Lifeboat Operations Manager with a request to evacuate a fisherman from the 98 meter Dutch fishing vessel Ariadne, 70 miles East North East of Whitby in thick fog.

Ariadne was making way towards Whitby at 13 knots. Whitby’s relief lifeboat launched at 11.05pm and proceeded towards the casualty on board Ariadne, both boats meeting at 1.05am, 36 miles off Whitby. The casualty was transferred to the lifeboat and returned to Whitby at 3.30am to an awaiting ambulance.

Whitby’s relief all-weather lifeboat Forward Birmingham was then made ready for service at 3.50am.

Media Contacts
For further information please contact David Smith, Volunteer lifeboat press officer on 01947 602590 or 07891366755 or George Clemitshaw, Assistant Volunteer lifeboat Press Officer on 07833386682 or Alison Levett, RNLI Public Relations Manager, North on 07786668912.

Page Content: Working alongside an inshore fishing vessel, the two crews worked together to free the mammal.

The lifeboat was launched with around 11.30am after a local fishing vessel reported what they believed to be a whale caught up in lobster pots a quarter of a mile out from shore. When the lifeboat arrived on scene they had to wait some minutes for the creature to surface.

On closer inspection it was discovered that the rope holding some lobster pots together had become snagged in the mammal’s mouth and it was turning around in the water repeatedly, attempting to free itself.

The lifeboat worked alongside the inshore fishing vessel, which had an onboard winch, to try and cut the rope free from the mammal’s mouth.  At first the lifeboat crew tried to take hold of the rope but they were being dragged by the mammal.  This continued when they passed the rope onto the larger fishing vessel. 

It was then the mammal was hoisted onto the winch of the inshore fishing vessel and the rope was cut free.  The lobster pots where then hauled onboard and the mammal on becoming free from the pots calmly swam out to sea.

Commenting on the callout Tramore RNLI crewmember Tom McConnell said, “This was a huge creature.  We had to be extremely cautious and work carefully with the other vessel to free it. We felt that one wrong move and we could be flipped over in our inshore lifeboat.  We had asked our colleagues in Dunmore East RNLI to be on standby with their all weather lifeboat but thankfully the whale was freed and able to return the deeper waters.”



Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager on 087 1254 124 or 01 8900 460 email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk or Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Tel: 087 6483547 or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Page Content: The volunteer lifeboat crew was first requested to launch at 10.30pm on Monday night (20 May) following a report that an Irish registered fishing vessel with four crew members on board had got into difficulty four miles north of Raven Point.

Weather conditions at the time were good with a fresh north westerly wind blowing.

The all-weather lifeboat under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke launched and was on scene with the troubled vessel which had a sustained an engine problem and lost power, at 11.15pm. Those on board were not in any immediate danger.

Having assessed the situation, the lifeboat crew proceeded to establish a tow line and take the vessel in tow back to Rosslare Harbour.

The following morning at 9am, Rosslare Harbour RNLI was requested to launch again, this time to go the assistance of two crew on board a motor yacht which had got into difficulty 17 miles north east of the lifeboat station.

The lifeboat launched and was on scene at 10.30am where the crew assessed the situation and found that a rope had got tangled in the yacht’s propeller while in gear.

The weather at the time was described as fresh with a north westerly wind blowing.

The lifeboat crew again under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke established a towline and brought the troubled vessel and its crew safely back into Rosslare Harbour.

Following the call outs, Dave Maloney, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Deputy Launching Authority and Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said: ‘Both the crew on the fishing boat and the yacht did the right thing in alerting the emergency services when they got into difficulty. The Rosslare Harbour lifeboat and our highly skilled volunteer crew are always on call and ready to assist any vessel and its crew members when they encounter problems at sea. It was a busy 12 hours but we were only too happy to assist and bring both crews safely to shore’.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Nuala McAloon RNLI Press Officer Ireland on 0876483547 or email Nuala_McAloon@rnli.org.uk or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Public Relations Manager Ireland on 0871254124 or 018900460 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

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It marks the end of a contract which has seen the company fit out all 27 Tamar’s produced for the RNLI fleet.  The last one, which was accepted by the RNLI yesterday (Tuesday 21 May) will be based in Wales.

Yesterday was a day for celebration and thanks as the team at Babcock handed over the 27th Tamar to the RNLI at their base in Plymouth. Roy Barker IV will be stationed at The Mumbles lifeboat station and was accepted in to the RNLI fleet by Michael Vlasto, Operations Director for the charity. Mr Vlasto has formally accepted every Tamar except one, since production of this class of all-weather lifeboats began.

At a formal presentation Babcock and the RNLI exchanged commemorative gifts and Michael Vlasto spoke of the valuable commitment the company and its workforce had shown to the RNLI contract that saw Babcock staff put in 100,000 hours of work a year over the last decade;

‘The quality of lifeboats produced at Babcock has been consistently fantastic. Many of the staff here report that this has been the best project they’ve ever worked on and that proves that the enthusiasm we have within the RNLI has got under their skin too.  The lifeboats produced in Plymouth, and that includes 27 Tamar class all-weather lifeboats and six Severn class all-weather lifeboats, have to date launched 2,224 times, rescuing 3,023 people and saving 87 lives. I’m very grateful to everyone at Babcock and thank them for providing the RNLI with quality lifeboats that continue to save lives at sea.’

Chris Tomkins, Director and General Manager of Devonport says;

‘This has been a prestigious contract and it has been a pleasure and an honour to work for the RNLI.  There has been a great deal of job satisfaction for the staff who have been involved and I’m delighted that we have produced such high class rescue vessels. I believe we have demonstrated that we can be trusted to deliver, which is our motto. I’d like to thank all at the Plymouth RNLI lifeboat station and Coxswain Dave Milford in particular, for their help with the sea trials and the Babcock team who have continued to maintain high standards right to the end of the contract.  I wish good luck to the RNLI for the future.’ 

Future all-weather lifeboats will be produced in-house by the RNLI at a purpose built facility that is to be constructed at the charity’s Poole HQ in Dorset. The All-weather Lifeboat Centre, to be built on land already owned by the charity, will save over £3M each year once up and running.  

RNLI notes to editors

• Please find attached the following pictures, all of which should be credited to RNLI/Nigel Millard (more pictures are available from the RNLI news centre):
*The first and last Tamar class all-weather lifeboats to be fitted out by Babcock for the RNLI, at sea off Plymouth.  The first Tamar is the Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson, which is a relief lifeboat providing cover when Tamar’s go away for refits.  The newest Tamar is the Roy Barker IV that will be stationed at The Mumbles in Wales.  
*Chris Tomkins, Director and General Manager of Devonport, presenting a commemorative plaque to David Brookes, RNLI Engineering and Supply Director
*The last Tamar class all-weather lifeboat to be fitted out at Babcock, Roy Barker IV that will be stationed at The Mumbles in Wales.

• Babcock has fitted out all 27 Tamar class all-weather lifeboats produced so far for the RNLI. They have also fitted out six Severn class all-weather lifeboats and carried out moderations and repairs to various other lifeboats in the RNLI fleet.  The workforce at its peak totalled 128 and most of the workers have now been phased out to other jobs within the company. 
 
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Tamsin Thomas, RNLI Public Relations Manager for the south west, on 07786 668847 or email Tamsin_Thomas@rnli.org.uk

 

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Lifeboat volunteers from Morecambe RNLI were paged to launch at 6:30pm yesterday evening (Tuesday 21st May 2013) after the Lancashire Police control room asked for assistance from the coastguard in locating and recovering a man in a distressed state

The Lifeboat and Hovercraft volunteer crews assembled at their stations and formulated a plan before proceeding to Halton army camp, Lancaster to launch the vessels.

Once the Inshore Lifeboat and Hovercraft were underway they proceeded down river to meet up with other emergency services at the aqueduct.

There were several emergency service teams on scene including coastguard rescue teams from Morecambe and Knot End, Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.

The individual was escorted from the aqueduct bridge by police officers shortly after the RNLI team arrived on scene.

The entire operation highlights the benefits from joint training carried out regularly by all members of the emergency services to help achieve a successful outcome in these situations.

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact James Donnell, Morecambe RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07590 267625 or Chris Fisher volunteer deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801261978 Email: morecambelifeboat_press@yahoo.co.uk

 

Page Content: The report came that a dog owner had reported that their pet had gone into the water disappearing from sight owing to the thick early morning fog.

The inshore lifeboat was launched and after searching through the fog the crew spotted the dog someway off at Crab Water Corner.

Helmsman John Campbell and crewmembers Robbie Skelly and Michael Percy returned tired dog Holly, who was reluctant to get out of the boat, to the grateful owner who was anxiously waiting on the beach at Spittal Point.

RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please telephone Hazel Bettison, Berwick RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on  07944757578 or Tom Wakenshaw, Berwick RNLI lifeboat operations Manager, on 07802 940662.
 

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The yacht with one person onboard had fouled its propeller on a lobster pot off Cobbolds point, Felixstowe, and required assistance to release it.  Volunteer lifeboat crew members worked quickly to release the yacht and check for damage.  With no damage sustained, the yacht was able to continue on its way to Levington Marina without any further assistance.

By 10.20pm, the inshore lifeboat was back at station and was refuelled and made ready for service. 

 

RNLI media contacts
• Dan Sime, Harwich RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, 07793 883797, harwich@rnli.org.uk
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East), 0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / tim_ash@rnli.org.uk
• Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East), 0207 6207425 / 07786 668825 / philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Page Content:

The volunteer lifeboat crew was requested to launch at 3.28pm this afternoon (21 May) and within minutes, they had the station's all-weather class lifeboat, the Ger Tigchleaar, at sea leaving Arklow harbour and enroute to the stricken vessel.

Page Content:

The RNLI Lifeboat was on scene at 8.46am when a tow was set up. The yacht's anchor was recovered and the vessel was returned back to safety to the visitors' berth back in the marina where the Coastguard met with the yacht and the lifeboat.

The RNLI lifeboat was then returned to station ready to be back on call at 9.30am.

RNLI Media Contacts: Wullie Dougan, Stranraer volunteer lifeboat press officer, 07759 053161. 

Page Content:

Tony was Lord Lieutenant of Orkney, President of Longhope lifeboat, former Honorary Secretary and Lifeboat Operations Manager and Chairman of the Longhope Lifeboat Museum.

He was an inspiration and wonderful friend to us all and will be greatly missed, particularly in Longhope where he was our resident doctor for 27 years before retiring and becoming Lord Lieutenant of Orkney.

His dedication, enthusiasm and involvement within the Longhope Lifeboat will always be treasured and fondly remembered.

On behalf of all the lifeboat crew and the lifeboat guild we would like to offer our deepest sympathy to Liz Trickett and family.

Photograph Caption: Dr Tony Trickett, former RNLI volunteer at Longhope, Orkney.

RNLI media contacts:

Mary Harris, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope, 07709 692811, maryharris3pg@btinternet.com

Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, richard_smith2@rnli.org.uk

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, henry_weaver@rnli.org.uk

 

Page Content:

The 87metre cruise ship with 112 people on board was entering Oban Bay at 6:30pm on Monday 20 May
when it ran aground on the Corran Ledge. The vessel was found to be aground at the bow but still afloat at
the stern. The initial attempt at refloating the ship used its own engine with the lifeboat providing
assistance by pulling at the stern. Unfortunately this attempt was hampered by a strong wind blowing the
ship towards the shore, and was unsuccessful.

The lifeboat relaunched at 10:04pm, by midnight the tide had risen sufficiently to allow a second attempt to
be made. A towline was passed to the ship's starboard stern quarter. The lifeboat initially took the strain
very slowly but due to wind, repositioned the towline to the bow of the lifeboat to allow for more
manoeuvrability.

At 00.55 she started to move. The lifeboat kept a strong pull to keep the cruise ship's stern off the shore. Using the cruise ship's own bow thruster and engine she got clear. The lifeboat then
returned to station.

The following photographs are credited to local photographer Stephen Lawson. Higher resolution copies
are available by emailing press@obanlifeboat.co.uk

RNLI media contacts

Iain Fulton, Oban Lifeboat Press Officer, 01631 710001, 07855 55553, press@obanlifeboat.co.uk

Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 07786 668903, Richard_Smith2@rnli.org.uk

Page Content:

The yacht had engine trouble and as there was no wind it was becalmed. The lifeboat took the yacht under tow whilst the two occupants of the yacht worked on the engine.

After a time they were successful in their efforts allowing the tow to be slipped. The yacht was en route to Troon and the lifeboat shadowed it for some seven miles until they felt it safe enough to return to Girvan harbour at around 11pm.

RNLI Media Contacts: Bill Tait, Girvan volunteer lifeboat press officer, 01465 712011.

Page Content:

The 87metre cruise ship with 112 people on board was entering Oban Bay at 6:30pm this evening when it ran aground on the Corran Ledge. The vessel is currently aground at the bow but still afloat at the stern.
The initial attempt at refloating the ship used its own engine with the lifeboat providing assistance by
pulling at the stern. Unfortunately this attempt was hampered by a strong wind blowing the ship towards
the shore, and was unsuccessful.

The lifeboat is now working with the crew of the ship to refloat it at a higher state of tide. Following this
second attempt more details will be released.

Please credit photgraphs to RNLI/Oban

RNLI media contacts

Iain Fulton, Oban Lifeboat Press Officer, 01631 710001, 07855 55553, press@obanlifeboat.co.uk

Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 07786 668903, Richard_Smith2@rnli.org.uk