RNLI Moelfre Launch to rescue stranded injured fisherman.

The Inshore lifeboat crew were paged at 20:45 and were on the water within minutes. They proceeded to the Ynys Y Carcharorion area of Dulas estuary after HM Holyhead Coastguard had received an emergency 999 call from the wife of the fisherman, after he had fallen from a significant height while returning from fishing. Moelfre Coastguard team members were already on scene with the injured casualty and his wife, after a short search was required to pinpoint the casualty's exact location, this was done with the assistance of the what3words app. Paramedics were also in the area but were unable to reach the couple due to the remote and difficult location. Due to his suspected injuries, the difficult location and incoming tide, the coastguard team members requested the assistance of the inshore lifeboat, to treat and extract the casualties.

The crew of 3 were on scene within 8 minutes and were met by coastguard team members. RNLI volunteer casualty care trained crew Rob Jeffrey and Tom Lomax were sent ashore with first aid equipment to carry out a full medical assessment and work with the coastguard team members to treat the casualty and plan a suitable evacuation. Following the crew's medical assessment, the middle-aged man was treated for suspected hip and leg injuries, while the Coastguard team worked with the Ambulance service to sort out a suitable landing area due to the remote location.

The man was in significant pain so was administered Entonox (gas and air) while the team members stabilized the suspected fractures and transferred him into the evacuation stretcher and got him into the Inshore lifeboat. During this time, a member of the Dulas estate had offered access to a private slipway nearer the incident for the coastguard teams and ambulance paramedics to meet with the inshore lifeboat for ongoing evacuation to hospital.

Volunteer Lifeboat helm BL Taylor skillfully maneuvered the inshore lifeboat out of the remote area and transited to the slipway where the man was safely handed over to the care of the Ambulance paramedics at 22:15. The crew returned to the location to safely evacuate the man's wife and then the remaining Coastguard team members and equipment.

The lifeboat crew were stood down and returned to the awaiting shore crew at the lifeboat station at 22:35. The shore crew had prepared the cleaning equipment and with their help, a complete kit and boat clean, along with full sanitizing in line with current Covid Protocol took place. The crew left the station and returned home just after midnight.

RNLI Lifeboat volunteer crew Rob Jeffrey said

“This was an excellent example of multi-agency working, the man's location was extremely difficult and remote. The coastguard team provided essential scene lighting for us to make a safe approach into the area. We worked together as one to treat and secure the casualty while also reassuring the man's wife. Moelfre Coastguard, Ambulance paramedics and the crew worked together during the rescue to beat the incoming tide, but even more so making sure the man was comfortable and that we moved him as safely as possible. Thanks, must also be given to the Dulas estate staff member who gave access and assisted ashore”

For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910