New Quay and Aberystwyth lifeboats in multi-agency rescue
On Tuesday 20 August both New Quay RNLI’s lifeboats were launched to assist Aberystwyth RNLI’s lifeboat, Coastguard rescue teams from New Quay and Aberystwyth and a Coastguard helicopter in rescuing three people.
New Quay’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat, the Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge and the D-class inshore lifeboat Audrey LJ launched at 6.40pm on Tuesday evening to assist in the rescue of three people cut off by the tide near Morfa Bychan, between Aberystwyth and Llanrhystud.
Once on scene the New Quay crew liaised with their colleagues from Aberystwyth and established that there were three persons trapped on a precarious ledge. One of the Aberystwyth crew had swum ashore to assess the casualties and, due to the difficult location and weather conditions, decided that helicopter extraction was required.
Peter Yates, helm of New Quay’s inshore lifeboat said, “After an uncomfortable trip up the coast in difficult weather conditions, we spoke to the Aberystwyth helm who confirmed that a helicopter was on the way but we agreed that the D-class should go in and test whether we could hold an anchor and veer in if needed. I quickly briefed the crew and, with some manoeuvring and timing the wave sets, I was able to get alongside.
“Coastguard helicopter Rescue 936 arrived from Caernarfon and was able to winch the three casualties to safety, leaving the Aberystwyth crew member on the ledge. With teamwork and timing a gap, we veered the boat against the ledge and indicated to him to jump on board.
“Overall it was a tough shout but made easier by great teamwork and task understanding on both boats.”
With the casualties safely ashore, the all-weather lifeboat escorted the inshore lifeboat back to New Quay, with the D-Class sheltering in the wake of the bigger lifeboat in demanding weather conditions. Both lifeboats were rehoused and ready for service by 9.30pm.
Notes to editors
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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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