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Fishguard RNLI respond to car found at the base of Strumble Head cliffs

Lifeboats News Release

Reports of a car found at the bottom of the rugged Strumble Head cliffs led to both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats launching shortly before 1100hrs on Friday 12 July with full volunteer crews.

Upon arrival at the scene a member of the public was present having climbed down the rocks to the car. One of the inshore lifeboat crew went ashore and established that there was one person, who was alive and responsive, inside the severely damaged car. A Search & Rescue helicopter which had already been despatched was soon to arrive on the scene. Because of the difficult terrain the helicopter's paramedic winchman was dropped onto the coastal path and he climbed down to the awaiting inshore lifeboat who then transferred him to the car's position to assess the situation and the casualty.
It was decided the safest course of action, because of the difficult and dangerous ground, was to stretcher the casualty onto the all-weather lifeboat using the inshore lifeboat. Three Fire Service personnel climbed down the cliffs to the car and two crew members from the all-weather lifeboat were also brought ashore to the scene, with a stretcher in order to assist with the transfer of the casualty from the battered car onto the stretcher and to the all-weather lifeboat. The three Fire Service personnel and helicopter winchman were also brought onto the all-weather lifeboat as it was deemed safer to bring them to the lifeboat station than climb back up the cliff-face.
The all-weather lifeboat then sped back to Fishguard harbour and the casualty was transferred ashore to an awaiting ambulance.

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.

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