Moelfre Inshore Lifeboat Launches Again for Rescue Call Involving an Inflatable
Moelfre RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Enfys 2 was tasked today (18th August) for the second time this weekend, following reports of two inflatable kayaks in difficultly and struggling against the 25 knot offshore winds.
The incident was reported by a member of the public as they watched the situation unfold off St. David’s caravan park - Red Wharf Bay. One kayak was reported to be towing another, with three children on board.
Just after 1pm, the Moelfre D-class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) made best speed to the location and arrived on scene along with Moelfre Coastguard team assisting ashore. The ILB quickly found the kayaks beaching the inflatables ashore, in the channel to Red Wharf Bay. The three children and one adult were ashore but refused any assistance. Safety advice was given as the adult wasn’t wearing a buoyancy aid.
While departing the scene, the volunteer crew spotted another 'sit-on-top' kayak coming out of the shelter of the channel at Red Wharf Bay. The two adult occupants were checked and were ok, but again wearing no buoyancy aids or safety equipment. With the mile-long paddle back to their launch site and vehicle, it was agreed with the occupants and UK Coastguard Holyhead, to escort them on their return. Once they were safely ashore at Benllech the ILB returned to Moelfre Lifeboat Station.
Inshore Lifeboat Helm Vince Jones urged water users:
“If you really wish to use the water in such challenging conditions as they were today, please make sure you are wearing the appropriate lifesaving equipment. We are here to rescue those in peril, but it’s a life jacket or buoyancy aid, that will ultimately save your life until we get to you”
For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 0777 3979910
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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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