Swimmer in difficulty triggers Fishguard RNLI lifeboat launch
A distance swimmer and his support boat got into difficulties off Cwm-yr-Eglwys on Wednesday (16 August) resulting in Fishguard RNLI's all-weather Trent Class lifeboat with a full volunteer crew launching at 1.30pm.
A member of the public called 999 after seeing the male swimmer in difficulty and hanging onto a mooring buoy. Meanwhile his support boat with one female on board suffered engine failure and was being pushed offshore by the tide and a strong southerly wind which was gusting 30 knots at times. Whilst the lifeboat was rushing to the scene a boat in the area spotted the problem and went to the aid of the swimmer and drifting dinghy and was able to take them into Cwm-yr-Eglwys. The lifeboat remained in the area until it was established both persons were safe and well having been met by HM Coastguard personnel onshore. The lifeboat subsequently returned to base.
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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