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Flint RNLI tasked to two incidents during Storm Ashley

Lifeboats News Release

Whilst preparing to recover from a morning training exercise on Sunday 20 October, Flint RNLI were tasked to two separate incidents aiding three people.

RNLI/Flint

Flint RNLI making way towards casualty at Connah's Quay

When preparing to return to Greenfield Dock for recovery after conducting a training exercise, Flint RNLI were alerted by HM Coastguard at 1.15pm that they had received a Mayday from two persons on board a yacht that had suffered engine and rigging failure, drifting half a mile off Llannerch y Mor.

The lifeboat, with a newly appointed helm in command of her first tasking along with two crew members, made best speed towards the casualty's location. Conditions on scene were challenging due to increasing winds and strong tidal conditions. The two casualties on board the yacht were quickly located and taken on board the lifeboat to be checked over by casualty care trained volunteer crew members, before returning to Greenfield Dock for further assessment and shelter from the weather.

As the casualties were taken ashore at Greenfield Dock, a further tasking was received from the Coastguard of a fisherman knee-deep in water and cut off by the tide at Connah’s Quay due to a large tidal surge.

The lifeboat transited from Greenfield Dock to Connah's Quay, navigating increasing winds and challenging seas to the casualty's position. Once on scene, the casualty confirmed that he was otherwise ok and was aided by two crew members to the shore where he was handed over to the care of Flint Coastguard Rescue Team.

The volunteer crew recovered the lifeboat at Connah’s Quay Dock and returned to station by road to be refuelled, washed down and made ready for service. Bill Dewsbury, Volunteer Launch Authority said:

'The casualties involved in the incidents took the correct actions when they found themselves in difficulty, they all had a means for calling for help through VHF radio and a mobile phone that enabled them to alert the Coastguard for assistance.'

Notes to editors

  • Photo credit: Flint RNLI
  • Flint RNLI will be holding their annual Firework display at Flint Castle on Friday 1 November
  • Flint RNLI lifeboat station was established in 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint
RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Carly McCarthy and Aby Norwood Flint RNLI volunteer press officers, at [email protected] or [email protected], or you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

RNLI/Flint

Flint RNLI crew members land two casualties at Greenfield Dock

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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