Double Rescue For Holyhead RNLI
Holyhead inshore lifeboat crew responded to two successive calls this afternoon (Friday 31 July).
The volunteer crew launched D-class llifeboat 'Mary and Archie Hooper' ; and on arrival at the location, quickly established a tow and headed back to the Holyhead harbour area.
As they were en route back to the harbour, heading to a mooring, the crew were then asked by the coastguard to head to another part of the coast, where a pair of paddleboarders – an adult and a child - were drifting out to sea from Penrhos beach.
The lifeboat crew quickly placed the stricken yacht onto a mooring, and headed immediately to the Penrhos area.
The paddleboarding casualties were located almost a mile from the beach. After asserting both were well, both adult and child were brought onto the lifeboat along with their board, and taken back to the beach. The local volunteer coastguard team were waiting to check the health and wellbeing of two on their return to shore.
The lifeboat then returned to station at approximately 4.30pm, where she was sanitised and prepared for any further calls.
Lifeboat operations manager for Holyhead David Owens said,
‘Because the lifeboat crew were already out, returning from the first call, they were able to get to the paddleboarders very quickly. Today’s rescues show how our crew are able to adapt and respond to a variety of situations, thanks to their training and skill.’
He added,
‘This incident shows how even on a calm day, it’s important that those enjoying the waters around our coast are aware of how quickly conditions can change, and how far the sea can carry someone out in a short period of time.’
For further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead Lifeboat Press Officer on 07531 681409 or email [email protected]
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.