
Three missing youths rescued by Porthdinllaen RNLI crew
Holyhead Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Porthdinllaen Tamar Class lifeboat after receiving a report that three youths were missing in their dinghy.
The lifeboat launched at 10.30pm on Friday and with Holyhead Coastguard co-ordinating the search, made best speed possible towards the area. The dinghy which had last been seen in Porthdinllaen bay approximately one and a half hours earlier, had three teens on board, one male and two females.
Arriving at the search area, Porthdinllaen RNLI lifeboat immediately began a parallel search pattern and were soon joined by the Coastguard Helicopter 936 from nearby Caernarfon Airport. After a brief search, the craft with the three occupants aboard were located by the search helicopters thermal imaging camera. The helicopter with its search lamp illuminating the casualty and surrounding area, guided the Porthdinllaen lifeboat to the location, and the three casualties were safely brought aboard the lifeboat along with their craft.
Returning to station, the three youths were reunited with their relieved families.
Kenneth Fitzpatrick, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthdinllaen said:
‘It is vital that whenever you venture to sea, no matter what the size of your craft is, that you have the means to call for assistance, a mobile phone or VHF Radio along with a set of flares are vital and will ensure that we are able to located you as quickly as possible. As always, thanks to our colleagues on Rescue Helicopter 936 and land based Porthdinllaen Coastguard team for their assistance and teamwork’.
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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