First callout as Coxswain for Vinny at Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station
Vinny was standing in for the Coxswain Martin Jones, who was on annual leave.
Both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were launched, with Vinny at the helm of the all-weather boat.
The all-weather lifeboat arrived on scene first, and the crew were directed to the scene by local volunteer coastguards ashore..
On arriving at the location, the crew could see that the object was actually a red and white roadworks barrier. This was confirmed ashore as the object sighted. The barrier was recovered and both volunteer crews then returned to station.by 1.15pm.
Vinny, whose normal job is a North Wales Police traffic officer said ' I am used to seeing these barriers in my day job policing the roads, but to come across one out at sea was a bit of a surprise! I'm sure it wasn't causing offence (a fence!??) but I have taken it into custody at the lifeboat station, and put it on the right road back! '
He continued 'On a more serious note, we would rather people dial 999 and ask for the coastguard, if they think they see anything or anyone in trouble at sea. We would rather be tasked and find something like this barrier, rather than not be tasked at all'.
The pictures show Rhyl all-weather lifeboat launching, and Vinny holding up the barrier after it was 'rescued'.
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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