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Abersoch RNLI tasked to man overboard.
The volunteer crew were paged by Holyhead Coastguard at 2.32pm Friday 4th September in response to a mayday call from a sailing yacht after a crew member had gone overboard during a race off Gimlet Rock, Pwllheli.
The lifeboat was launched at 2.43pm, in a moderate breeze with a westerly wind and a slight sea state and arrived at the scene at 2.52pm.
The casualty, an adult male, had been recovered by the crew of the yacht when the inshore lifeboat arrived at the scene. Two lifeboat crew were put aboard the casualty vessel to assess the casualty who appeared to be safe and well. The lifeboat escorted the sailing yacht back to Pwllheli Marina where Abersoch Coastguard Rescue Team took over the care of the casualty, who was then taken by ambulance to Ysbyty Gwynedd for further checks.
Volunteer helm, Phil Wood, said ‘The crew of the casualty vessel were all wearing the correct clothing and lifejackets. They conducted a very successful man overboard procedure to recover the casualty, a testament to their learning and knowledge for a safe outcome for all under pressure.’ He added, ‘Making the mayday call was the right thing to do. If you would like to learn more about man overboard procedures you should contact your local RNLI station who will be happy to assist.’
The lifeboat left the casualty at 3.20pm and returned to the station at 3.48pm where the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew.
If you get into difficulty or spot someone else in trouble dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Leather, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.