
Fishguard RNLI out on two night shouts in 24 hours
Volunteer crew responded to two requests to launch the charity's lifeboats on Saturday 27 July, starting and ending the day with shouts.
Crew were summoned from theirs beds as the pagers first sounded at 3.18am. The request from HM Coastguard was to launch the charity’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII and to head to the north-west of Strumble Head.
On its routine journey from Fishguard to Rosslare, crew of the Stena Nordica ferry spotted a fishing vessel adrift displaying no lights, the ferry diverted from its course to investigate but attempts to make contact with anyone onboard via VHF radio and loud hailer were met with no response. With the Coastguard informed, the Stena Nordica stood by the fishing vessel until the arrival of the lifeboat.
Once on scene the lifeboat was manoeuvred alongside the casualty vessel and two lifeboat crew transferred across to search the vessel whilst the remaining crew prepared the lifeboats towing gear. Following a thorough search of the vessel no casualties were located on-board.
Following a thorough risk assessment conducted in discussion with the lifeboat coxswain, RNLI Operations Room and the Coastguard, it was determined as there was no immediate danger to life or navigation the lifeboat would not conduct a tow, and HM Coastguard would broadcast information to shipping in the area regarding the vessel and location.
With this the lifeboat crew on-board were recovered and towing gear stowed before returning to the station where the lifeboat was refuelled and made ready again for service. The casualty vessel was subsequently towed into Fishguard Harbour by a local fishing vessel.
Less than 24 hours after the first shout, the pagers sounded for a second time at 11.39pm as HM Coastguard requested the launch of the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson to assist in a multi-agency search for a casualty in the area of Fishguard Bay. Whilst conducting the search information was received that the casualty had been located and was safe with police. With this information the lifeboat returned to station where it was once again refuelled and made ready for service.
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Cedwyn Rogers said:
‘These two shouts demonstrate the very different situations our volunteer crews may find themselves in, but not only that, it demonstrates their commitment in helping others.
‘Early in the morning whilst others sleep, or late at night on a weekend when people are out enjoying themselves, our volunteer crew will answer the call.
‘We would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that should they see anyone in trouble in or around the water, or think that someone may be in danger to please call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.’
Notes to editors
• The attached photo (Photo 1) shows the crew preparing Blue Peter VII’s towing gear once on scene in preparation should it be needed. inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson towing the casualty vessel (27 July 2024)
Photo Credit: RNLI Fishguard
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829
For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789
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For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 143,000 lives.
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.