Abersoch RNLI inshore lifeboat launched following report of people in difficulty
A member of the public out walking along the Coastal Path raised the alarm after spotting two people in difficulty in the water near in St Tudwals sound.
The RNLI volunteer crew were paged at 3.05pm and the Peter & Ann Setten Atlantic 85 B-Class inshore lifeboat was launched at 3.16pm.
On arrival at the scene, in a moderate sea state and a strong offshore wind, the crew were guided to the two casualties by the helm of the Abersoch Boat Trips rib which was coming through the sound at St Tudwals after responding to a Pan-Pan call from Holyhead Coastguard.
The two adult male casualties, who were both wearing buoyancy aids, had got into difficulty whilst out sailing in their Topper dinghy and were unable to make any headway against the strong offshore wind. They had abandoned the dinghy and were attempting to swim ashore.
The casualties were taken on board the lifeboat and were immediately assessed by the volunteer crew. After establishing a safe tow the lifeboat returned the casualties and their vessel to the safety of Machroes beach. No further medical assistance was required.
The volunteer crew left the scene at 3.44pm where the Atlantic 85 lifeboat was then thoroughly washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the shoreside volunteer crew.
Abersoch RNLI volunteer helm, Andy Gunby, said, ‘Much appreciation is sent to the members of the public who called 999 and raised the alarm with HM Coastguard and to Abersoch Boat Trips for their swift response to the Pan-Pan call’. He added, ‘This highlights the need to always carry a means of calling for help, staying with your vessel and wearing a suitable lifejacket at all times as well as the importance of knowing how to contact the Coastguard’.
If you do get into difficulty, or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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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