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Port Talbot RNLI aids sailing vessel with engine problems

Lifeboats News Release

Port Talbot RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 7.33pm on Wednesday 16 August to assist a 23 foot sailing vessel which had encountered engine problems.

RNLI/Clive Morris

Michael being congratulated by Helm David Jones

Volunteer lifeboat crew laucnhed the inshore lifeboat Craig Morris and made best speed to the vessel which was positioned at the mouth of the river Neath. The weather was kind with clear skies and a light wind.

The vessel was easily located and the volunteer crew made contact with the person on board. Helm David Jones, assessed that the best course of action was to place a crew member aboard the yacht to receive the tow to Monkstone Marina.

The pager moment came for new volunteer Shore Crew Member, Michael Davies-Young, who assisted on his first service call since joining Port Talbot Lifeboat Station. Steve Summerfield, Deputy Launch Authority said: 'Michael is a great addition to the team, his training held him in good stead on this his first shout.’

With a few more weeks left of summer it is important that anyone visiting the coast carries a means of raising an alarm to call for help should they get into difficulty.

Around 140 people die by accident in UK and Irish waters each year. We are asking the public to help save more lives by sharing some simple lifesaving safety advice:

  • If you see something unusual or someone in trouble at the coast call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember to Float to Live.

RNLI/Carl Matthews

Launching with a view

RNLI/Carl Matthews

RNLI/Chris Rees

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.