Flint RNLI lifeboat crew save wildfowler

The lifboat reached the casualty who himself had alerted the UK Coastguard of his predicament at 1.38pm and he was immediately taken aboard the lifeboat.

Once aboard the lifeboat the casualty informed the lifeboat crew about his companion, a black Labrador dog, and a further search commenced. The lifeboat crew were concerned for the health of the wildfowler and immediately made for Greenfield where he was landed and the necessary assistance could be given.

The lifeboat immediately returned to sea to carry out a further extensive search for the dog, the search was unsuccessful, and it was hoped it had made its own way ashore.

The lifeboat returned to Flint RNLI Lifeboat Station at 3.30pm

Alan Forrester, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Flint RNLI, said: ' The rescue was carried out in squally conditions. The wildfowler was well kitted out, which undoubtedly helped, however he was getting very cold when taken aboard the lifeboat.’

Notes to editors:

The attached video should be credited to RNLI/Flint

The attached photos, which should be credited to RNLI Flint, show:

- Flint RNLI's D class lifeboat approaching the casualty

- The lifeboat returning to Greenfield with the casualty

• Flint RNLI lifeboat station was established 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint.
• Flint lifeboat as at 31^st December 2016 has launched 678 times, saved 97 lives, and rescued a further 225 people.
• Flint lifeboat and its volunteer crew responded to 14 calls and saved 1 life in 2016
• Flint lifeboat has responded to 14 incidents and saved 2 lives in 2017.
• Flint RNLI Carol Concert with Ladies Choir, Friday 8^th December, 7pm, in the Parish Church, Church Street Flint.
• Potential lifeboat crew and fundraising volunteers, contact Alan Forrester on 07785593247

Richard Polden, Flint RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01745590331 or 07496770596 or Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales on 01745585162 or 07786668829 or RNLI Press Office 01202336789.

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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