Abersoch RNLI volunteer crew assist two teenagers in difficulty.
The crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 8.04pm on Sunday 4th August 2024 following a call from a concerned member of the public who had spotted the pair struggling to make way in a dinghy.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched within ten minutes. The two teenagers, who were in a Laser Topaz sailing dinghy, were located approximately a quarter of a mile off the Lifeboat Station. They were struggling to make way due to the deteriorating weather conditions.
The volunteer crew took both casualties, who were equipped with buoyancy aids and wearing wetsuits, onto the lifeboat and a crew member was placed on the sailing dinghy. The casualties were starting to get cold and the light was fading.
A safe tow was established, and the dinghy was towed back to the beach where the two teenagers were then handed over to the care of the waiting Abersoch Coastguard team.
Volunteer helm, Elissa Williams, said ‘Always let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be out on the water.’ She added, ‘Having the means to call for help is crucial, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch or a VHF radio. If you are not sure you can safely return to where you launched, head to the nearest point of safety if you can and call for help form there. Never delay in calling 999 if you are in trouble especially if the weather conditions are changing and it is starting to get dark.’
The lifeboat returned to the station at 8.48pm where it was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew.
If you get into difficulty or spot someone else in trouble dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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 142,700 lives.
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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.