RNLI Moelfre inshore lifeboat called to assist five stranded children.
At 2:25pm on Sunday 9 August 2020, UK Coastguard requested that RNLI Moelfre inshore lifeboat (ILB) go to the immediate assistance of five children and one adult reported cut off on a rapidly shrinking sandbank, caused by the rising tide at Traeth Coch.
ILB Enfys 2 with her volunteer crew was on the water within ten minutes and made good speed in a very choppy sea, towards the casualties that were in grave danger from the rising tide. In the few minutes that it took to reach the casualties the tide was already knee deep. Initial reports said that there were seven people stranded but it was soon established and confirmed by the Moelfre mobile Coastguard team, that a young person had been accounted for after swimming to shore. The five children and adult were then taken onboard the Moelfre ILB and then ferried towards the Ship Inn at Traeth Coch, where the Coastguard mobile team advised the party on sea safety.
Enfys 2 was back on the slip at 3:20pm. The ILB was then was cleaned and decontaminated by shore crew.
Experienced Helm Dwynwen Parry said: “There have now been a number of similar incidents at Traeth Coch (Red Wharf) over the years and the RNLI urge visitors to the area, to be aware of how quickly the tide comes into areas like Traeth Coch and Llanddona. They should be aware of tide times and take care on large sandy bay areas to avoid the risk of becoming stranded. Children should be carefully supervised when visiting these areas. If there are any concerns for the safety of individuals, the Coastguard should be advised at once, by calling 999 or 112”.
Those who are on coastal footpath near our boathouse will often see our volunteers running when they answer the call to service. As was the case today when RNLI volunteer Dwynwen Parry's pager alerted her to todays shout. She dropped tools and swiftly made her way towards the lifeboat station. While she was running her car and house keys fell out of her pocket but in Dwynwen’s mind the priority was to get the boat on the water as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a kind-hearted couple who were on the path noticed what had happened and shouted to Dwynwen that they would look for the keys.
As they were looking, several other people joined the search and twenty minutes later the keys were found in the long undergrowth and handed over to one of the station volunteers. Dwynwen would like to thank all those who helped in the search for her keys but would especially like to thank the couple, who reassured her that they would look for them and keep them safe.
For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910
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