First shout for new helm at The Mumbles RNLI

Having only passed out on Monday (10 June), the pagers sounded on Saturday and Kieran got his debut opportunity to helm and be in command of the lifeboat.

The Mumbles inshore lifeboat launched to a 30ft fishing vessel with a fouled propeller. In unfavourable conditions and a boat with engine failure and no ability to navigate to safety, the vessel was in danger of drifting onto the breakwater at Swansea Docks. As there no other vessels able to assist the fishing boat, it was decided that the only way to avoid the boat drifting onto the breakwater was to establish a tow with the lifeboat.

With Helm Kieran in command, the inshore lifeboat acted as the engine assisting the vessel through the shallow waters of the Tawe. Establishing an alongside tow and skilfully manoeuvring the vessel through the tight channels and locks. The vessel was returned safely to a mooring, where she could be hauled out for repairs.

Kieran, who is a graduate of the Warsash Maritime Academy, joined the crew at 17 and now at 25 he's become the youngest helm at The Mumbles Lifeboat Station. Kieran said:

'It was good to get the first shout under my belt and put all the training into practice. The skipper did the right thing to ask for assistance as soon as he realised the prop was fouled.

'Luckily this time there were no life-threatening incidents, due to the quick decision to call for help. But at sea, it can be an unpredictable environment and serious incidents can happen at any time.

'Even in crowded waters close to the shore they can go unnoticed. So it’s important that you always carry a means of calling for help, and that everyone onboard knows how to use it.'

With a busy summer ahead, this will be the first of many for Kieran and the crew of The Mumbles Lifeboat.

RNLI media contacts:
For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert on [email protected] or 07717 793890.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 / [email protected], or the the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].

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 142,700 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.