Abersoch RNLI lifeboat called to reports of paddleboarders in difficulty
Abersoch RNLI lifeboat was launched after reports of two stand up paddleboarders in difficulty just off the moorings at South Caernarfonshire Yacht Club.
A Force 4-5 south-westerly squall had come in an otherwise calm evening. The report had said the paddleboarders were in the water and unable to get back on their boards.
Abersoch RNLI volunteers were paged shortly after 8pm on Wednesday (26 July) and the inshore lifeboat Peter and Ann Setten was launched minutes later, taking a bearing of last known sighting proceeded to search downwind towards Llanbedrog headland.
The two paddleboarders were found at 8.32pm rounding Llanbedrog headland. This was no easy feat as stand up paddleboards are very low profile and hard to spot at sea, especially in Force 5 wind.
Both boarders were happy to proceed to their destination of Pwllheli, they were equipped with buoyancy aids, means of communication, and other relevant safety kit. They were very experienced paddlers and the squall had caught them off guard. They proceeded to paddle in a kneeling position as not to catch too much wind and intended to handrail the coastline in case the wind increased again.
The UK Coastguard was happy for Abersoch RNLI lifeboat to stand down and return to station. The lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service by 9.05pm.
Media contacts:
For more information please contact Lee Oliver, Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07919 071577 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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