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Red flare sighting sparks search in Llandudno Bay

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno’s all-weather lifeboat, was launched late last night (10 September) at 11.19pm, following numerous 999 calls reporting a red distress flare sighted in Llandudno Bay. The lifeboat crew faced conditions of moderate to rough seas and winds of 20-25 knots coming from the north

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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The lifeboat crew faced conditions of moderate to rough seas and winds of 20-25 knots coming from the north. Once on the water, the crew carried out a thorough search of the bay, using all available resources to locate the source of the flare. Simultaneously, Llandudno Coastguard conducted an extensive search along the shoreline.

After the lifeboat had been at sea for almost an hour, the Coastguard discovered the discarded tubing of a flare on the promenade, confirming that it was likely to have been set off from land without an actual emergency. The lifeboat was subsequently stood down and returned to shore at 12.32am.

Following recovery and clean up of all of the equipment, along with a crew debrief, operations at the lifeboat station concluded at approx. 2.00am. No distress situation was identified.

Coxswain Graham Heritage commented:

‘Although this callout thankfully turned out not to involve anyone in distress, we want to extend our thanks to everyone who reported the sighting. Had it been a genuine emergency, those calls would have played a crucial role in helping us respond quickly and locate anyone in need of assistance.’

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Luke Heritage
Lifeboat Press Officer, Llandudno Lifeboat Station

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