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Port Talbot RNLI tasked to unidentified floating object

Lifeboats News Release

This morning (Thursday 11July) at 9.48am, RNLI volunteers were tasked by HM Coastguard to investigate reports of a floating object.

Port Talbot RNLI first shout for Chris Willcocks

RNLI/KT Bruce

Port Talbot RNLI first shout for Chris Willcocks

Despite it being a mid-week normal working day for most volunteers of Port Talbot RNLI, the inshore lifeboat Craig Morris was launched promptly and safely within 10 minutes of the pager sounding, proceeding at best safe speed to the location indicated by the Coastguard.

The object has been spotted close to the West Cardinal Buoy, marking the wreck of the SS Stalheim, approximately 1 nautical mile off the lifeboat station.

Once on scene the object was quickly identified as a buoy marking a net that had been placed at the location by a fishing vessel. Then inshore lifeboat then made a quick search of the area to make sure there was nothing else untoward.

Today saw the first shout for volunteer Crew, Chris Willcocks, who spends the majority of his week working away. Chris is currently on leave, so on this occasion he was able to experience his first shout as crew.

Chris said: 'It was amazing to put all my training into action. It's also fortunate that a lot of my theory training can be done online with the RNLI's new training plans, which allowed me to seamlessly to slot in with no skill fade, but also with the reassurance of being with a highly experienced crew.

'The quality of the RNLI raining is exceptional and the additional hours I put in online meant I was fully able to contribute. It was a great feeling being part of the crew today'.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris said:

'Although this was a morning call out on a weekday the crew assembled quickly, launching within 10 minutes. Our crew of Helm, David Jones, Crew members Carl Matthews, Marshall Dunnion and Chris Willcocks used their skills quickly to assess and resolve this incident.

'The informant did exactly the right thing in calling the Coastguard, as it's always best to make the 999 if you have any concerns so that a full investigation can be completed'.

Port Talbot RNLI inshore lifeboat was recovered, refuelled and made ready for service, with the crew returning to continue their day jobs.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Port Talbot RNLI preparing to launch to investigate an unidentified floating object

RNLI/KT Bruce

Port Talbot RNLI preparing to launch to investigate an unidentified floating object
Port Talbot RNLI recovering the Lifeboat after a tasking

RNLI/Kirstee David

Port Talbot RNLI recovering the Lifeboat after a tasking

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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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.