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Fishguard RNLI volunteers launch to two time critical calls over weekend

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers at Fishguard RNLI launched to two dramatic rescues over the weekend, assisting six casualties and administering vital medical treatment.

RNLI volunteer crew arriving with the personal watercraft and persons in the water.

RNLI/Fishguard

RNLI volunteer crew arriving with the personal watercraft and persons in the water.

The pagers first sounded at 3.10pm on Saturday 3 August following a sunny day in Fishguard with many taking to the water and other coastal activities.

The request from HM Coastguard was to launch the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson to assist two climbers at Needle Rock, directly across the bay from the lifeboat station.

Initial reports from the Coastguard were that at least one casualty had sustained and injury, and casualties were unable to make their own way back up the cliff face.

Coastguard cliff rescue teams made their way to the top of the cliff whilst the lifeboat made best speed to the area below which was surrounded by rocks and shallow water.

With the lifeboat on scene the helm made an assessment of risk to crew and asset.

Due to the calm conditions at the location the helm determined the safest option would be to deploy the anchor further out, and veer down to the casualties. This involves slowly letting out line on the anchor, approaching the rocks until the casualty can safely step aboard.

Usually conducted with the engine running astern, due to the danger of damage from submerged rocks the ILB’s oars were deployed and used to move the lifeboat into position.

With both casualties on-board and provided with casualty lifejackets and survival bag for warmth, the anchor was recovered and initial assessment of casualty injuries conducted.

The lifeboat then transported the casualties back to the lifeboat station for further assessment and treatment.

It transpired that the couple had been climbing at Needle Rock, when the one above had dislodged a rock which had fallen onto the casualty below, cracking their climbing helmet and causing injury to one shoulder and both arms.

The injuries were assessed by casualty care trained crew members and injuries dressed and pain relief provided. The casualties were discharged from RNLI care with advice to attend A&E.

In very different conditions the pagers sounded a second time at 6.41pm on Sunday 4 August.

The request from HM Coastguard was again to launch the inshore lifeboat following reports of two personal watercraft inside the harbour, four casualties including three persons in the water.

The lifeboat made best speed to the casualties, who could be seen by crew in the water as they made their way to the lifeboat station.

One casualty was located aboard one craft and quickly established they did not require medical assistance, but that they could not restart the engine. With other casualties in the water the first person was advised to stay aboard and that the lifeboat would return to assist them.

With no persons on board the second craft was more difficult to spot, however was quickly located some distance away from first. On arrival three casualties could be seen in the water clinging onto the watercraft. Fortunately all casualties were wearing suitable buoyancy aids which assisted them in staying afloat, and were recovered into the lifeboat. It was established that the casualties were not injured but had been in the water for some time.

A risk assessment was carried out and had the personal watercraft been left in the area they would present a hazard to other vessels navigating within the harbour, with this the craft was brought into an alongside tow and taken along with the casualties the short distance to the slip at Goodwick where they were met by a Coastguard team and family.

With three casualties safely ashore the lifeboat crew turned around and made their way back to the first casualty. Once alongside it was established that the engine had cut out after the kill cord had become detached and the casualty could not replace the cord.

The crew reattached the kill cord and attempts were made to restart the engine, however it could not be started. The helm made the decision to take the casualty aboard and again establish an alongside tow taking the casualty and craft to the local slip.

With all four casualties and two craft safely ashore the lifeboat returned to station where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready again for the next service.

Volunteer Launch Authority for Fishguard RNLI Barry Scott, who oversaw both weekend launches said:

'Our crews train hard for these moments, so that when they are needed, they are ready to answer that call. The climbing accident is not something we see often within our area, but the crew successfully recovered two casualties and provided the necessary medical attention they required. Fortunately the casualty who sustained the most serious injuries was wearing a helmet, and they were carrying a means to call for help.

'For the second time in two days our dedicated volunteer crew put in another great effort. When there are casualties in the water there is always that extra urgency to launch, and our crew were quickly on scene and the casualties recovered safely from the water.

'It is great to see that all casualties involved were wearing the correct equipment for their type of activity. I would like to take the opportunity to remind anyone enjoying activities around the coast to check and ensure they have the correct equipment including a means of contacting help, which should be within reach at all times.

'If needed call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.'

Notes to editor:

  • Attached photo (Photo 1) shows RNLI volunteer crew arriving with the personal watercraft and persons in the water. (Sunday 4 August 2024) Photo credit: RNLI/Fishguard

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829

For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789.

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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