
Porthdinllaen RNLI launched to assist with locating PLB
Porthdinllaen volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked at 3pm on Thursday 14 November by HM Coastguard to investigate reports of the activation of a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in the Aberdaron area.
Making the best possible speed, the lifeboat proceeded to the suspected location area with assistance also being provided by the Coastguard rescue helicopter from nearby Caernarfon Airport.
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a small, handheld personal safety device that can be used at sea or land, and best attached to a lifejacket or similar device to easily alert rescue services in the event of an emergency. They are regularly carried by fishermen and sailors.
While in the area near Porth Colmon, Holyhead Coastguard advised Porthdinllaen lifeboat crew that following further investigation, they were certain that were no lives in danger or person unaccounted, and that the incident was deemed as a false activation.
The lifeboat returned to station and was refuelled and ready for service by 4.45pm.
Kenneth Fitzpatrick, Lifeboat operations Manger at Porthdinllaen added:
‘We advise all fishermen, especially lone workers or sailors, to be equipped with the Personal Location Beacon as the device can prove to be invaluable in locating the casualty should they find themselves in need of assistance’.
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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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