Abersoch RNLI lifeboat launched to reports of swimmer in difficulty
On Bank Holiday Saturday (29 April) Abersoch RNLI volunteers were paged away from their families at 10.16am to assist a swimmer in difficulties in Porth Neigwl (Hells Mouth).
Abersoch RNLI’s Atlantic 85 class lifeboat The Peter and Ann Setten was launched and proceeded towards Porth Neigwl to assist the casualty. The crew were in contact with Holyhead Coastguard the whole time to co-ordinate the operation and keep them updated.
The Peter and Ann Setten encountered considerable swell travelling between St Tudwals Islands and the mainland but the volunteer crew battled on, they were about to round Cilan head when Holyhead Coastguard relayed the message that the person in trouble had managed to make their way to shore and coastguard operatives were helping her. From then on Abersoch RNLI lifeboat was stood down and the crew made their way back to station. The Peter and Ann Setten was refuelled and back on service by 11.10am.
Abersoch RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Gareth Hughes-Jones said: ‘This incident highlights the dangers posed to water users in our surrounding waters, and how a combination of wind, swell and water temperature along with local beach topography can cause problems.
'The RNLI would like to emphasize the importance of care when entering the water for various activities through their Respect The Water campaign. To find out more please visit rnli.org/RespectTheWater.’
Notes to editors:
The attached picture is a stock shot of Abersoch RNLI's Atlantic class lifeboat The Peter and Ann Setten. Credit Martin Turtle.
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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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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