
RNLI Moelfre Volunteers Respond to Multiple Shouts on Busy Bank Holiday Weekend
At 03:32 am 26/08/2024 H.M.Coastguard tasked RNLI Moelfre volunteers to do a multi-agency search off Cemlyn and Wylfa head.
Despite the tricky coastline, the crew searched as best they could, using night vision, a Thermal imaging camera, searchlights, and White parachute flares.
The ALB continued illuminating the areas and searching into the bay, but nothing was found. Shortly after 6:am, the Lifeboat was stood down. A few minutes later, it was confirmed that the individual had been found ashore, lost and under the influence of alcohol but otherwise safe and well.
Moelfre lifeboat coxswain Vince Jones Said:
Vince continues: Although the full circumstances aren’t yet known, this was a costly search effort by all involved. People venturing out to the coast should always have the appropriate equipment when fishing and means of calling for help are a must. The consumption of drinks (or drugs) near the water is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, the person was found safe and well in this instance.”
There was another shout a few hours earlier to reports of a missing vulnerable person on the West Coast of the Island, but our volunteers were stood down just before we hit the water after it was confirmed that the casualty had been found safe and well ashore.
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Moelfre RNLI volunteers launched twice to three separate incidents.
H.M. Coastguard tasked Moelfre Inshore Lifeboat ‘Enfys 2’ (ILB) this afternoon, 26/08/2024, to reports of two children on a paddle board and two others in difficulty in the water off Traeth Lligwy .
When on scene, the ILB crew discovered the casualties had made it ashore but needed a medical assessment.
Once on scene, a mother and young child were found to be in distress, having been blown offshore. A Good Samaritan had paddled out to assist and was stood by for reassurance. The ILB crew struggled to get the distraught child off the board, but with the mother's assistance, they got the child off the board and all three people into the ILB. The mother and child wore wetsuits and buoyancy aids but had no means of calling for help. The paddle boards were secured to the side of the ILB, and they made their way back to the awaiting Coastguard team and family members ashore.
Following Moelfre CG's confirmation that the original group required no further medical assistance, the ILB crew, having ensured the safety of all parties, conducted a scan of the area. They then provided crucial safety advice to all water users, emphasizing the importance of staying close inshore or getting off the water due to the 25knts of offshore wind. This advice is invaluable for all water sports enthusiasts and coastal residents, ensuring they are educated and informed about potential risks.
The ILB returned to the boat house, where the station coxswain observed a swimmer clinging to a buoy approximately 500 meters off Traeth Benllech. After the Coastguard was notified, the ILB relaunched and proceeded at its best speed. Once on scene, the swimmer could be seen clambering out of the water and signalling to the crew that they were safe and well. Again, the mobile coastguard team from Moelfre was also tasked and gave safety advice.
The ILB was stood down and returned to station.
Moelfre lifeboat Coxswain Vince Jones said:
“The crew have done an exceptional job being tasked and involved with five separate incidents in the last 24 hours.
For further information, please contact Phil Williams, Moelfre Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07773 979910,
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