Penarth and Barry Dock RNLI lifeboats in challenging yacht rescue
A routine tow request developed into a challenging rescue today (Wednesday 16 August) with three lifeboats being tasked to the scene by the UK Coastguard to assist a yacht in difficulty.
The exact position of the striken vessel was initially unknown but thought to be somewhere between Penarth Pier and Sully Island. Penarth RNLI's Atlantic Class lifeboat quickly located an 18ft yacht with two people on board just beyond Lavernock Point. The station's D class lifeboat also launched to provide much needed support and assistance to the rescue.
The vessel had lost power and was in very challenging weather and tidal conditions. A crew member was transferred onto the vessel and a tow commenced, but towing was difficult as wind was Force 5, with the seas steep and choppy and a 2m swell. Because of this Penarth RNLI requested further assistance from our colleagues at Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station.
The two people on board the yacht were very anxious and unwell and the decision was made to transfer them onto Barry Dock's all-weather lifeboat. The casualties were taken to Barry Dock where they were given first aid and they were soon well enough to return to Cardiff Bay by land.
Penarth's D class lifeboat then returned to station and the Atlantic class inshore lifeboat completed the tow, taking the yacht to the safety of Cardiff Bay where it was met by Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team officers.
Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'This was a difficult shout - almost four hours at sea - but one which we prepare for and which demonstrated great teamworking and our commitment to saving lives at sea.'
Notes to editors:
The attached photos should be credited to Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team.
For more information please contact Andy Berry, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07951 051128 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].
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 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, 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.