
Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat rescues yacht stranded near Nash Point in rough seas
Barry Dock RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) launched yesterday to assist a 27ft yacht struggling in rough sea conditions, with a sea-sick crew member onboard.
The lifeboat was called out after the yacht encountered difficulties in strong easterly winds. Due to the dangerous sea state, it was not safe to transfer the crew member at sea, so the Barry Dock lifeboat crew directed the yacht to follow them towards Porthcawl, hoping to gain shelter after rounding Nash Point.
While escorting the yacht, it ran out of fuel near Nash Point and drifted dangerously close to the shore. Acting quickly, Barry Dock RNLI crew efficiently rigged and passed a towline to the yacht, beginning a tow towards Porthcawl.
Porthcawl RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat was requested to assist, successfully transferring the sea-sick crew member to safety. Porthcawl lifeboat then took over the tow for the final stretch to shore. All aboard the yacht were returned safely.
Andy Gavan, Barry Dock Coxswain, said: ‘This was a challenging rescue, but thanks to the training and teamwork of both Barry Dock and Porthcawl lifeboat crews, we were able to bring everyone home safely. A successful outcome like this makes all the joint training sessions worthwhile. We are one crew, no matter which lifeboat station we are based at.’
Once the casualty and yacht were safely ashore, Barry Dock lifeboat returned to station and was prepared for its next call out.
Notes to editors
- Photo credit RNLI/Barry Dock Lifeboat Station. Barry Dock’s Shannon ALB towing the yacht; Porthcawl crew in their Atlantic 85 lifeboat assisting
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889.
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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