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Aberystwyth RNLI responds to false alarm with good intent

Lifeboats News Release

Yesterday evening (Monday 16 December), Aberystwyth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew launched to investigate a report from a member of the public who’d spotted a flashing light below Allt Wen, south of Aberystwyth.

Tractor launching Aberystwyth Atlantic 85 lifeboat in the dark with headlights on.

RNLI/Billy Swanson

Night time launch of Aberystwyth RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat

The crew launched Aberystwyth's Atlantic 85 lifeboat at 5:54pm to investigate reports of a flashing white light from a member of the public. A search of the area was completed at sea, but nothing was found, determining the light was likely from a dog walker walking near Allt Wen. The lifeboat was stood down, returning to the station where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service.

Volunteer Helm Paul Williams said:

'Tonight’s shout turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. We would like to commend the individual who raised the alarm when they suspected someone was in need of assistance.

‘It's always best to report any concerns and we would much rather launch and find everything is safe than risk not launching at all. We would urge anyone who is concerned for someone's safety to always ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.'

This Christmas Aberystwyth RNLI volunteers will be on call ready to save lives. On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, the crew are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea.

These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

Notes to editors

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Billy Swanson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07507 885591.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728315 or [email protected], or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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.

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