Conwy and Llandudno RNLI lifeboats in multi-agency search for red flare sighting

A member of the public had reported sighting a red distress flare, indicating that somebody may be in grave and imminent danger. Conwy RNLI lifeboat The May-Bob proceeded to commence an extensive search from the River Conwy seaward whilst Llandudno UK Coastguard Rescue Team was deploying their team members along the coast to search from landside.

Due to falling visibility and the size of the search area, further assistance was requested. At 8:40pm Llandudno’s Shannon class lifeboat William F Yates was launched with her volunteer crew of 6 to join the search.

As the Conwy lifeboat approached the middle of the bay, a white illuminating parachute flare was deployed from the lifeboat to light up the area for all search parties. Following this a small fishing vessel was spotted on the seaward side of the sandbanks. An attempt was made to approach the vessel and investigate. Following this the fishermen confirmed that they hadn’t seen anything untoward and were making their way back into Conwy.

The search was continued and the use of night vision equipment from the inshore lifeboat was utilised as well as radar on Llandudno Shannon class lifeboat. Both lifeboats met at the fairway buoy and concluded along with UK Coastguard that the extensive search had produced nothing and that the call was a false alarm with good intent.

Both stations and their volunteer crews heading back to their respective stations where they were washed down, refuelled and made ready for service by 10:30pm.

Notes to editors

• Conwy lifeboat station has been operating since 1966.
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/conwy or www.rnli.org.uk/llandudno

RNLI media contacts

Danny-Lee Davies, Conwy RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07999321639

Alan Flood, Conwy RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07871505513

Alan Sharp, Llandudno RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 01492 543315

Danielle Rush, Divisional Media Relations Manager (Wales and West) on 07786 668829 or 01745 585162.

Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.

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