Donate now

First shout for Pwllheli RNLI’s new D-class helm

Lifeboats News Release

Pwllheli RNLI’s D-class lifeboat was tasked by H.M. Coastguard at 10.44am on Saturday 22 April to assist an Atlantic rowing boat which was struggling in adverse conditions to enter Pwllheli Marina.

A D-class inshore lifeboat speeding through the water with three lifeboat crew onboard

Gerallt Williams

Pwllheli RNLI’s D-class lifeboat launched with three volunteer crew at 9.45am and arrived on scene at 9.50am.

The D-class helm assessed the situation and decided the best course of action was to tow the vessel. A tow line was established and the rowing boat was towed to the Old Lifeboat Station slipway.

Dave Williams, Pwllheli RNLI D-class helm said: “We were pleased to be able to assist the rower by attaching a stern line to tow the rowing boat into the channel and leave it safely at the slipway for recovery. It was a good first experience for me as helm with a successful outcome.”

The weather was overcast with a south-south-westerly wind blowing at 3 knots, good visibility and a calm sea.

The D-class lifeboat returned to the station at 10.30am where it was made ready for service.

RNLI media contact

For more information contact Elizabeth Denholm, Pwllheli RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07806 800627 or email [email protected].

Alternatively contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Categories