RNLI Penarth volunteers called out to vessel on fire

RNLI Penarth’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched and was later joined by the D-class lifeboat for support. Arriving on scene, the crew found a small fishing vessel with two people on board and smoke in the cabin. The two people were brought on board the lifeboat for safety, and a tow was set up to bring the vessel to Cardiff Bay Barrage.

The lifeboat was met on shore by HM Coastguard Penarth Rescue Team and South Wales Fire Service. Two members of the fire service boarded the vessel with the assistance of Penarth’s D-class lifeboat, and proceeded to ensure the fire was fully out.

Once it had been confirmed that the fire was out, the Atlantic 85 lifeboat towed the vessel safely into Cardiff Bay.

RNLI Penarth volunteer helm Hugh Kelsall said:

“The crew of the casualty vessel did the right thing in calling the Coastguard as soon as they found themselves in difficulty, and this led to a good outcome with everybody safe and well.

“This was a great example of multi-agency working, together with HM Coastguard Penarth Rescue Team and South Wales Fire Service.”

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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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