Couple rescued off Lleyn Peninsula by Porthdinllaen RNLI lifeboat
A couple, who had been adrift for more than four hours, were rescued by Porthdinllaen RNLI lifeboat on Sunday evening (21 May).
A member of the public had spotted what was thought to be a flashing light out at sea near Pistyll on the Lleyn Peninsula at 9pm and had contacted UK Coastguard.
A shore based Coastguard team was scrambled and Porthdinllaen RNLI's all-weather lifeboat was launched.
Upon launching, the crew spotted the flashing light and were alongside within 10 minutes of launching, the source of the flashing light was confirmed to be the couple onboard their 12 foot dinghy who had broken down approximately four hours earlier.
The couple, believed to be in their 50s and on vacation in the area, had suffered a broken pull cord on their engine and with a strong tidal current carrying them further out had dropped their anchor. They were found approximately one mile west of Pistyll.
The couple were brought aboard the lifeboat. They were suffering from the effects of cold and were brought back to Porthdinllaen RNLI station where an ambulance crew were waiting to treat them for the effect of hypothermia and dehydration.
Ken Fitzpatrick, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthdinllaen RNLI, said: 'They were very lucky that they were spotted and I cannot stress how important it is that if you do intend to go out to sea, no matter how short your fishing trip, that you inform someone of your intentions, where you intend to launch, how long you intend to be out for, and where you intend to go.
'It is also vital, that you are well equipped, always wear a lifejacket, carry distress flares and a means of contacting UK Coastguard by Marine VHF or mobile phone should you find yourselves in distress'
Media contacts:
For more information please contact Dylan Thomas, Portdinllaen Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07747 600019 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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