Penarth RNLI lifeboats secure shipping hazard
Regular Tuesday training for Penarth RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews was interrupted on 3 January after oncern was raised that a shipping buoy had broken loose from its permanent mooring and had been tied to a tree at Lavernock point.
Although there was no immediate danger, there was concern that the buoy might break free at high tide and cause a danger to vessels in the area.
Having discussed the situation with Milford Haven Coastguards the decision was made to launch both the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat, with four crew, and the smaller D-class lifeboat, which has three crew, to assess the situation.
The large buoy was initially towed by the D-class lifeboat and subsequently by the Atlantic class lifeboat to the safety of Cardiff Bay Barrage, where it was secured, prior to it being relocated in its proper position.
Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'There is no doubt that had the buoy broken loose in the evening it would have presented a real danger to vessels in the area.'
Both the station's lifeboats returned to station where shore crew members prepared the boats for their next service call, whilst crew members warmed up with a much needed cup of tea.
Notes to editors:
The attached picture show:
- Penarth RNLI's Atlantic class lifeboat. Credit RNLI/Andy Berry
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].
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