Aberystwyth RNLI investigate empty vessel

A member of the public had noticed that an orange and white vessel around one mile off Clarach had not moved all afternoon and with the weather deteriorating was concerned that someone may be in difficulty.

The RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat 'Spirit of Friendship' was launched into choppy seas and a force 5 wind, and was able to locate the boat quickly with the guidance of the Aberystwyth Coastguard Rescue Team who were with the member of public.

Once located the crew found that the vessel had its anchor down, but that there were no people on board the boat, although there were some clothes. Fearing that someone may have gone into the water the crew immediately started to plot a search pattern and informed the UK Coastguard of the situation, whilst requested additional help with the search.

As the volunteers were readying to start the search, they were informed that the vessel may have been reported missing from New Quay a few days earlier. After some investigation and clarification of items on board the boat, it was confirmed to be the missing vessel and no search was required.

The crew were able to bring the boat back to Aberystwyth Harbour Marina and the owner was notified that his boat had been found.

Crew member Tim Robinson said "When we found the vessel, we feared the worse that someone may have gone into the water and time was very much of the essence. We were relived to find out that it had been reported missing with no people on board. It must have dragged its anchor and come all this way North before the anchor caught on something where we found it"

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