New Quay RNLI lifeboat crew respond to two incidents in one afternoon
New Quay’s RNLI lifeboat crews were called into action twice on Sunday afternoon (17 August) in response to separate incidents off the coast of New Quay in Ceredigion.
At 1.35pm, the inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, was tasked with New Quay Coastguard to assist two paddleboarders in difficulty near the fish factory.
Will Best, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm said, “Fortunately, a member of the public swimming nearby had already helped the casualties to safety by the time we arrived on scene. After confirming the casualties were safe and well, we were stood down and returned to station.”
Later that afternoon, at 2.50pm, the all-weather lifeboat, the Roy Barker V, was requested to assist a 27ft yacht located 17 nautical miles north of New Quay, which had suffered a complete loss of power.
Arriving on scene, Huw Williams, one of New Quay RNLI’s volunteer coxswains said, “After locating the vessel, we conducted welfare checks on the two persons on board. Assessing the situation, we concluded that towing the vessel back to New Quay was the safest course of action.
“The yacht was successfully secured on a mooring in New Quay harbour, and we returned to station after 7pm for recovery and wash down.”
Huw continued, “Sunday’s paddleboarding incident is a reminder of how offshore winds, blowing from land out to sea, can quickly turn a calm day on the water into a dangerous situation. While conditions may appear calm on the beach, offshore winds can make it extremely difficult to paddle back to shore.
“The RNLI urges all paddleboarders to check weather conditions before setting off, avoid offshore winds, always use a leash and wear a buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty at sea or along the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Kate Williams, New Quay RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.