Muddy Saturday double rescue for Conwy RNLI Lifeboat Station
Lifeboats News Release
Conwy RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch Saturday afternoon (11th March) by UK Coastguard, to assist a vessel which had grounded on a large mud bank on a falling tide up river towards Tal y Cafn.
RNLI lifeboat The May-Bob launched with her volunteer crew at 2.35pm, shortly after being paged after concerns were raised about the occupants of the vessel, given its isolated location.
Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) were on scene and had the vessel in sight, however were unable to approach due to the tidal conditions.
Once the lifeboat was a short distance from the casualty vessel, it was ascertained that the occupants had lifejackets and were happy to stay with the vessel until the next tide later in the evening, and would maintain regular reports to the Coastguard.
The lifeboat made her way back through the difficult shallows of the river back to the boathouse where she was successfully recovered and washed down.
In liaison with UK Coastguard, the lifeboat was requested to relaunch at 8.10pm to provide safety cover and illumination whilst the vessel re floated in case of damage to her hull.
At 9.10pm the vessel successfully re floated from the bank, and due to the strong flood tide, the vessel was escorted safely back to Conwy Marina.
The lifeboat arrived back on station at 10.15pm, where she was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service.
Notes to editors
• Conwy lifeboat station has been operating since 1966.
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 over 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 142,700 lives.
