Ilfracombe lifeboat volunteers assist The Mumbles RNLI with multi vessel rescue

The RNLI Ilfracombe all-weather lifeboat crossed the Bristol channel to assist their flank station The Mumbles. Conditions were quite rough in the channel with a strong easterly breeze and 2-3 metre sea. They arrived to assist a motor cruiser that was struggling with hydraulic problems, and two yachts - one of which could not be steered due to rudder problems and another which needed assistance due to the crew suffering from seasickness.

Ilfracombe RNLI volunteers brought two of the seasick yacht crew aboard the all-weather lifeboat, and then towed the larger yacht safely back to Swansea Marina. The Ilfracombe lifeboat was safely back at the station at around 10.45pm.

RNLI Ilfracombe Coxwain Andrew Bengey said:

'What this incident demonstrated was the importance of looking at the forecast before taking a boat out to check whether the conditions are suitable.

‘Whatever the weather, it is also important for people going sailing to bring flares and VHF radios so that if they do get into trouble, they are able to call for help.

‘Fortunately everything ended well last night and it was nice to get to work with our flank station The Mumbles.’

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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 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 142,200 lives.

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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