RNLI Pwllheli inshore lifeboat launched to a person in the water

Pwllheli volunteers were showing members of the public around the new D class lifeboat Robert J Wright when the lifeboat was called into service for the first time. The crew were paged at 1:40pm to a possible casualty in the water as a RIB was found on Pwllheli Promenade beach. The volunteer crew quickly launched the inshore lifeboat and made their way over to the beach where the RIB was found.

An initial search was carried out along the beach from the RIB towards west end point and then out to sea. After going back out to sea, the crew members then proceeded back towards the RIB and requested the assistance of Pwllheli's all weather lifeboat and a Coastguard rescue helicopter to aid the search when onlookers on the beach spotted a green inflated lifejacket approximately 600 meters out to sea. Once crew members spotted the lifejacket, they proceeded towards it and found the casualty.

The casualty was quickly carried on board and a medical assessment was made. The casualty was conscious and fully aware of his surroundings. The inshore lifeboat then proceeded back towards the boathouse to a waiting Paramedic - the casualty had been thrown out of the RIB and had been in the water for 30 minutes. The all weather lifeboat and the helicopter were all stood down.

The inshore lifeboat Robert J Wright was back on station with the casualty at 2:15pm and ready for service agian at 2:30pm.

Andrew Green, Helmsman on the inshore lifeboat mentioned that 'It was critical that we found the person in the water as soon as possible as it was a south westerly breeze, blowing force 5-6. When onlookers on the beach pointed out to sea we proceeded out and quickly spotted the casualty.

'On arrival we pulled the casualty on-board and assessed his condition. He was found to be fit and well but had been in the water for 30 minutes. We then proceeded back to the boathouse for the paramedics to make their assessment.

'It was a relief to see that the casualty was wearing an automatic lifejacket which inflated on impact with the water or the results could have been very different. It’s great to know that the first shout for the new inshore lifeboat Robert J Wright saved a life.'

For further information, please contact Tomos Moore, Pwllheli RNLI Crew Member & Lifeboat Press Officer on 07552 446447, Adam Daniel, Pwllheli RNLI Crew Member & Lifeboat Press Officer on 07917808208 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.

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