New Quay and Aberystwyth RNLI lifeboats launch to fishing vessel on rocks
New Quay RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched on service at 7.50pm last night, Thursday 3 December, to assist a 14 metre fishing vessel with three persons on board, which had run aground on rocks at the entrance to Aberystwyth harbour.
The Mersey class lifeboat, the Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge, launched with seven crew members on board and made good speed in a strong north-westerly wind.
Already on scene was Aberystwyth RNLI's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, standing by and ensuring the safety of the fishermen. However, as New Quay’s lifeboat approached they managed to pull the vessel clear of the rocks.
Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI’s Coxswain said, “Due to the state of the tide and the deteriorating weather we could not return immediately, so we had to tie up alongside in Aberystwyth for a few hours before returning to New Quay. We recovered the lifeboat and the crew returned to their beds soon after 3am. It was a long night but a good outcome.”
Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager added, “Our crew launched in deteriorating weather conditions and knew they would not be able to recover the lifeboat until the early hours due to tide times.
“We are very pleased with how our volunteer crew worked under difficult weather conditions and the added pressure of strict COVID-19 guidelines."
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