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New Quay RNLI lifeboat has its first callout of the year

Lifeboats News Release

Last Tuesday (9th January) New Quay RNLI’s all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, Roy Barker V, saw her first shout of the year. At midday, HM Milford Haven Coastguard tasked the lifeboat to assist a 14 metre yacht with three persons onboard, 18 miles north of New Quay.

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New Quay RNLI on scene with the disabled yacht

Launching in a strong east to north-easterly wind, despite a forecast of only force 4-6, the wind had increased to force 7-9 with gusts of up to force 10.

Dan Potter, New Quay RNLI’s Coxswain said, “The casualty vessel had lost all means of propulsion and, with the anchor cable having parted, she was drifting rapidly.

“With torn sails she was completely disabled, and having assessed the situation, we decided that the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven of Aberystwyth.”

After a slow tow into the weather, New Quay RNLI’s lifeboat with the casualty vessel arrived at the entrance to Aberystwyth harbour at 5.10pm.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer crew added, “Seeing Aberystwyth harbour was a welcome sight after towing for many hours in strong winds. We then transferred the tow to our colleagues at Aberystwyth RNLI, who safely berthed the vessel in the marina. We then headed for home arriving in New Quay just after 6pm. A very long afternoon in challenging conditions.”

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager said, “This was a job well done by our volunteers, our first of the year, and a great example of working with our flank station, putting all our hours of training into practice.”

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Kate Williams, New Quay Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].


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New Quay RNLI lifeboat towing the casualty vessel to safety

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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