
Early morning bank holiday historic launch for Fishguard RNLI
The volunteer crew from RNLI Fishguard responded early on Monday to a report from HM Coastguard of an emergency beacon activation 18 miles off of Strumble Head.
The call-out made history for Fishguard RNLI as it was the first time a brother and sister answered a call together, the occasion being more significant as it occurred on International Siblings Day.
The incident was volunteer crew member Amy’s first all-weather lifeboat shout, and she was joined in answering the call by brother Jake.
The crew received a page at 5.53am requesting the immediate launch of the charity’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat
Blue Peter VII in response to the activation of an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) which was reported to be 18 miles off of the coast of Strumble Head.
The lifeboat along with a coastguard helicopter was tasked to make way to the co-ordinates received and carried out a search pattern received from HM Coastguard. Following an extensive search by sea and by air no evidence of any people or vessels in distress were located and attending resources were stood down.
The lifeboat returned to the station and was made ready again for service at 10.30am.
This was the third shout for RNLI Fishguard in just over a week after crew also responded on 3 April to a report of a kayaker struggling outside of the North breakwater at Goodwick. The charity’s inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson attended where it was found that the kayaker was not in distress and had all recommended safety equipment. The lifeboat returned to the station and the call was deemed to have been a false alarm with good intent.
Cedwyn Rogers, RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat Press Officer, said:
'It has been a particularly busy week for our crew who have been presented with three very different scenarios. It highlights the importance of training which could not be achieved without the generosity of our supporters. We would like to take the opportunity to remind water users to make sure they have appropriate safety equipment for their activity, and to carry a mobile phone or VHF radio within easy reach. Anyone who needs assistance or sees someone they believe to be in distress should always dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.'
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Media Officer Claire Elshaw on [email protected] / 07468 353082
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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