RNLI Fishguard launch to assist casualties cut off by tide

The crew were paged at 7.25pm on 3 August at the request of HM Coastguard following a report of two persons having been cut off by the tide at Newport Sands.

The two casualties had been out walking when they entered a cave and upon exiting the tide had risen.

Both the Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII and D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson launched and made best speed to the location aided by calm conditions.

Arriving on scene first the crew of the inshore lifeboat began a shoreline search of the location provided by witnesses and quickly located the two casualties. Having been taken aboard the inshore lifeboat for assessment no treatment was required and the two casualties were taken into the beach where they were transferred to the care of coastguard teams. A coastguard helicopter which was on-route was also stood down from the tasking.

With casualties safely ashore both lifeboats made the return journey to Fishguard with the all-weather lifeboat providing sheltered conditions for the inshore lifeboat. Once back on station both lifeboats were made ready again for service at 8.30pm.

This was the second launch this week for the volunteer crew at RNLI Fishguard. On Monday 31 July at 6.40pm at the request of HM coastguard the inshore lifeboat was launched to assist a person in the water near Fishguard fort. The tender for the casualty’s vessel had become detached and they had entered the water in order to retrieve it. Unable to make their way back to their own vessel the casualty made for another nearby and was able to exit the water. As the lifeboat arrived on scene it was ascertained that the casualty has transferred to another smaller vessel which has also retrieved the tender. The casualty advised the lifeboat crew that no further assistance was required and the lifeboat returned to station where it was made ready for service.

Cedwyn Rogers, RNLI Fishguard Volunteer Press Officer, said:

“These are two examples of the vital work that the RNLI carries out around our coast. Whilst the outcomes were positive they both demonstrate how easy it can be to fall foul of the sea, even for the most experienced sea-goer.”

“We would like to take the opportunity to remind anyone visiting the coast to check the local tide table and ensure they carry with them a means of contacting the coastguard in an emergency on 999 or 112”

Notes to Editors:

· The attached photo (Photo 1) shows the Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII arriving back at station. (Thursday 3 August 2023) Credit. RNLI Fishguard.

· The attached photo (Photo 2) shows the D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson arriving back at station following the launch on Monday 31 July. (Monday 31 July 2023) Credit. RNLI Fishguard.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Media Officer Eleri Roberts on [email protected] or 07771 941390

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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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