Holyhead Crew Rescue Drifting Kayakers
Holyhead RNLI volunteers were called out this afternoon (Saturday 14 July) after two people in an inflatable canoe were blown off shore.
The D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) was launched at 3.25pm, after nearby members of the public made a call to the UK Coastguard, expressing concern for the pair, who were drifting towards the open sea from the private beach area of Penrhos nature reserve.
The RNLI crew, including Stephanie Fleming on her first shout as a helm, supported by two senior helms, were quickly on scene, and managed to locate the drifting craft and occupants. After confirming the casualties were unharmed, the lifeboat safely brought the kayak and the two people back to Holyhead lifeboat house with 40 minutes.
Coxswain at Holyhead Lifeboat Station, Tony Price, said thanks were due to the two local men who made the initial call to the coastguard;
‘They noticed the kayak was heading towards potential trouble and did exactly the right thing in calling the coastguard. If they hadn’t done that, it would very soon have been taken by the elements out to sea.’
He added:
‘It’s very important that those venturing into the sea in this way are suitably equipped with lifejackets, and are aware of the local weather forecasts and tides.’
Additional Information:
Holyhead's D-class lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper is an inflatable lifeboat, capable of speeds up to 25 knots. She is designed to operate close to shore, and is able to operate in areas inaccessible to the larger all-weather lifeboats. She is 5 metres in length, and usually carries a crew of 2-3.
For more information, please contact Vicki Owens, Lifeboat Press Officer, Holyhead Lifeboat Station, on 07531 681409
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.