Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat launch to sinking yacht

The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat Inner Wheel II and made best speed to the casualty vessel. Upon arrival on scene Portishead and Weston RNLI lifeboats had already set up a salvage pump and were pumping water out of the yacht.

The yacht was taken in tow to be taken into Cardiff bay. Penarth RNLI lifeboat was paged to assist in taking the yacht through the barrage. On arrival the tidal conditions made it impractical to take the yacht into Cardiff so a decision was made to tow the boat to Barry.

Coxswain of Barry Dock lifeboat Martin Bowmer said: ‘It’s important for people going to sea to be aware of weather and tidal conditions before going to sea and to have adequate form of communication.’

The yacht was towed to Barry harbour and placed on a Barry yacht club mooring. The crew made sure the two casualties and their four dogs were ok and prepared the RNLI lifeboat for its next service. The volunteer crew were finally stood down at 3:30am.

This was a multi RNLI incident involving four separate lifeboat stations and their volunteer crews.

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.