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Aberystwyth RNLI rescue man cut off by tide

Lifeboats News Release

Two RNLI lifeboats from Aberystwyth were launched Tuesday (19th Sept) at 6.25pm to reports of a person stuck on the cliffs near to Constitution Hill

The station’s Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Spirit of Friendship launched first, quickly followed by the smaller Arancia inshore rescue boat after the call had come in that a person had been cut off by the tide and had tried to climb the cliffs, becoming stuck about 40m up the cliff face.

The Atlantic arrived on scene first and two crew swam ashore to provide reassurance and be ready with first aid in case the person fell. Aberystwyth and Borth Coastguard rescue teams and the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Caernarfon also all arrived on scene. It was decided that the Aberystwyth Coastguard rescue team would send a rope technician down to the casualty and lower him to the foot of the cliff, where he could be extracted by lifeboat.

As soon as the casualty was down the volunteer lifeboat crew on board the Arancia went ashore to join their colleagues and carry out a first aid assessment, they soon discovered the casualty was very cold. He was then taken off the beach in the Arancia and taken to the Atlantic lifeboat, which was able to quickly take the casualty to the lifeboat station where he was given dry clothes, and warmed up by the waiting crew.

Aberystwyth RNLI Helm Chris Ashman said: 'We like to see people enjoying the sunny weather and the beaches around Aberystwyth, but if you’re walking along the beaches under the cliffs, it’s always a good idea to check the tide tables and leave yourself plenty of time to make the journey safely. ‘

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Paul McCann, 07787785614 or RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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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About the author

Paul McCann
Lifeboat Press Officer, Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station

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