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Fishguard RNLI volunteers race to assist medical evacuation

Lifeboats News Release

Lifeboat crew from Fishguard RNLI attended the scene of a medical emergency following a notification from a smart device.

Stock image of Fishguard RNLI Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII. (11 February 2023)

RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers

Stock image of Fishguard RNLI Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII. (11 February 2023)

The volunteer crew were paged at 8.32pm on 10 November 2024 following a request from HM Coastguard to launch the charity’s Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII to assist crew of a 40ft yacht approximately 28 miles out from Fishguard into the Irish Sea.

The information received was that a device worn on the person had detected a medical irregularity and had notified a contact centre who then informed HM Coastguard. The only other information known was that the vessel was making the journey from Ireland to Fishguard.

Due to the location of the vessel and limited communication methods on-board HM Coastguard were unable to establish contact with the crew of the yacht. The Stena Nordica ferry diverted its Rosslare to Fishguard service to the last known location of the yacht. Crew of Stena Nordica located the yacht and stood by the vessel until further assistance arrived and assisted in relaying information from the yacht to coastguards in Milford Haven. An Irish Coastguard helicopter from Waterford was also requested to attend and made way to the casualty vessel.

As the volunteer Crew from Fishguard arrived the helicopter was already on scene and had liaised with crew aboard the yacht in order to transfer the helicopter paramedic via winch onto the yacht. With helicopter and lifeboat on scene the Stena Nordica was released with thanks to continue its journey to Fishguard.

The lifeboat stood by prepared to transfer crew across to assist the crew of the yacht and paramedic should they need additional personnel on-board to bring the casualty out to a position where they could be winched safely into the helicopter.

Confirmation was received that no assistance was required and casualty was taken on-board the helicopter to receive further medical attention in Ireland whilst the lifeboat continued to stand by. Following their departure the lifeboat made contact with the remaining crew of then yacht to determine their intentions and whether they were able to continue their journey. With no further assistance required the crew of the yacht continued their journey and lifeboat returned to station.

Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers said:

'It was an interesting shout for crew demonstrating how useful technology can be, had the casualty been a lone sailor this may have been the only alert received.

We attended with a crew trained in casualty care and crew member who is also a GP should we have been required to provide medical assistance. As it transpired the helicopter was able to extract the casualty without any assistance, however, we were prepared to transfer crew if necessary.

We would like to take the opportunity to wish the casualty a speedy recovery and remind anyone using the water to ensure they have the correct communication equipment to suit their activity and journey, and this should be kept within reach at all times.

If you or another are experiencing a medical emergency at sea please call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard, alternatively use a VHF set if available.’

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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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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