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Fishguard RNLI volunteers launch to report of kayaker in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

Crew members from Fishguard RNLI were paged following a report of a kayaker in the water and having difficulty recovering themselves below Fishguard Fort.

Fishguard D class Edward Arthur Richardson shortly after launch heading to Fishguard Fort.

RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers

Fishguard D class Edward Arthur Richardson shortly after launch heading to Fishguard Fort.

The volunteer crew were paged directly from the lifeboat station at 1.53pm on 12 September to launch the charity's D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson after a witness reported the matter by phone to the lifeboat station.

The report received was that a group of four kayakers were in the vicinity of Fishguard Fort, with further information stating one was in the water and appeared to be having difficulty in recovering themselves back into their kayak.

HM Coastguard were updated from the station and requested HM Coastguard Fishguard also attend the scene.

The lifeboat made best speed to the area and made contact with the casualty. Following a brief conversation with the kayakers it was established that they were an organised group conducting capsize and self recovery drills and did not require any assistance from the lifeboat crew.

With this information relayed to HM Coastguard the lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled and made ready again for service.

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

‘From the initial report received, and particularly given the weather and sea conditions at the time it appeared that someone could have been in genuine danger in the water.

Thankfully on this occasion they were simply practicing for a situation they could find themselves in whilst at sea.

If conducting activities which could be construed as a genuine emergency we advise this information and contact details be logged with HM Coastguard, who can attempt to contact the group if they receive a report of someone in distress.

We would also like to remind anyone who sees someone they believe to be in difficulty around the coast to please call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.’

Notes to editor:

· Attached photo (Photo 1) shows Fishguard D class Edward Arthur Richardson shortly after launch heading to Fishguard Fort.

(12 September 2024). Photo credit: RNLI/Cedwyn Rogers

Media Contacts

For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829

For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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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