Fishguard RNLI respond to early morning mayday call

HM Coastguard requested the launch of Fishguard’s all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII after a mayday call was received by a 28-foot yacht suffering engine trouble off Strumble Head. The volunteer crew launched the lifeboat shortly after 2:30am and made their way towards the location, ten miles north of Strumble Head. The casualty vessel had two people on board.

Once on scene the volunteers established a tow and the all-weather lifeboat towed the yacht back to the safety of Fishguard harbour.

This was the second emergency callout for the lifeboat crew in less than a week. Fishguard RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched on Thursday afternoon (5 September) to a swimmer in difficulty in the harbour. The man, who had decided to go for a swim as a result of the warm weather, was found by a kayaker hanging onto a mooring buoy in Fishguard Harbour. Despite the warm weather, the water was very cold which had caused great difficulty for the casualty. Thankfully a kayaker was in the area at the time and helped him out of the water until the lifeboat arrived.

The casualty was taken back to the lifeboat station on the inshore lifeboat. Once back at station the casualty was checked and except for being very cold, he was unharmed after the incident.

David Williams, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:

‘The sun might be out but it’s important to remember that the water around our coast is incredibly cold. If you are feeling brave enough for a swim we’d recommend wearing a wetsuit at this time of year to stay warm.

'If you find yourself struggling in cold water and are having difficulties breathing, the RNLI encourages the public to Float To Live. The charity advises you to fight your instinct to swim hard and panic, which can lead to breathing in water and drowning. Instead, float on your back, try to control your breathing, and then plan your next move, which can be either calling for help or swimming back to shore.’

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390. Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.