Busy Sunday for Penarth RNLI crews

The day started at 9.30am with a familiarisation session on the clifftops with HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187. The helicopter,  based at St Athan, made a textbook landing in near perfect conditions after its short hop to Penarth.

RNLI volunteer crews were able to get ‘hands-on’ with the new helicopter, and understand the equipment it carries and its rescue capability.

Both Penarth's RNLI lifeboats were then launched so that crews could practice working operationally with the helicopter crew, and a number of transits up and down the channel were undertaken so all RNLI helms could practice manoeuvres, including winching. 

Just as the exercise was coming to a close, both lifeboats were tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard's to reports of people cut-off by the tide at Sully Island.  Penarth RNLI volunteer crews spoke to the five people on the island, who were keen to stay on the island until low tide later in the afternoon. 

Andy Berry, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer says:

'Special thanks for today must go to the crew of rescue 187 for affording us this excellent training opportunity which will ensure we can work seamlessly when required.'
 
Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Penarth RNLI said:

'Exercises like today are vital for our training, and this was an excellent example of the RNLI working with our colleagues in HM coastguard. We are all very grateful for the chance to train with the helicopter, and are thankful to the crew of rescue helicopter 187 for giving us such an opportunity’.

Notes to editors:
For more information please telephone Penarth Lifeboat Press Officer Andy Berry on 07951 051128.

A selection of j-peg images are available.

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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 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 146,000 lives.

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