Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew on standby with ILB Salvage Pump

The 15-foot Fletcher motorboat, with three people on board, had suffered engine failure and had drifted aground at Porth Ceiriad. They requested assistance from HM Coastguard via VHF radio, Channel 16.

The volunteer crew made the decision to prepare the ILB Salvage Pump as it was likely the vessel had taken on water.

Following the RNLI Standard Operating Procedure, the pump was prepared for use and the stowage box was securely locked to the deck of the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and the pump securely fastened before making passage to the casualty. The pump can pump out at variable speeds depending on the required pump output. When on service the pump is portable enough that the stowage box can be unclipped and transferred to the casualty vessel complete.

On this occasion the ILB Salvage Pump was not required as the vessel had not taken on water and the crew were able to refloat the vessel and after establishing a safe tow, the vessel and casualties, who were all safe and well, were returned to the main beach where the motorboat was loaded on to its trailer.

The lifeboat returned to the lifeboat and was thoroughly washed down, refuelled and left ready for service.

Notes to editors

· Abersoch Lifeboat Station has been operating for just over 150 years. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/abersoch-lifeboat-station

· The current B Class Atlantic 85 Lifeboat the ‘Peter & Ann Setten’ launches to a variety of both commercial and leisure craft callouts.

· Photo credit: Emma Woods, Abersoch RNLI

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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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