
Sailing dinghy in difficulty prompts response from Fishguard RNLI volunteers
Crew members from Fishguard RNLI were paged following reports of a sailing dinghy having become trapped in a cove to the West of the old lifeboat station at Newport.
Crew were paged at 6.47pm on Friday 20 September with a request from HM Coastguard to launch the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson to assist the dinghy and two persons on-board following it becoming trapped in the cove and being unable sail out against the prevailing conditions.
As the volunteers mustered at the station, due to the conditions the decision was made to also launch the charity’s Trent class all weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII to provide safety cover for the inshore lifeboat and offer assistance with the casualty if required.
Following the launch of both lifeboats, further information was received from HM Coastguard that one person on board the dinghy had managed to manoeuvre the vessel out of the cove and was now in safely ashore, however the remaining casualty was now reported as being in the water. With the situation having escalated and risk to the casualty increased, both lifeboats made best speed to the location.
As the lifeboats arrived on scene further information came through that the Coastguard team had through use of their equipment, managed to assist the casualty to shore and was now in their care.
Crew from the inshore lifeboat went ashore and spoke to coastguard and casualties, and with no requirement for medical assistance the crew assisted with the recovery of the dinghy.
With the persons and dinghy safely ashore both lifeboats returned to station arriving at 8.30pm where they were made ready again for service.
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fishguard RNLI Cedwyn Rogers, said:
‘This rescue was a perfect example of how dynamic situations at sea can be, and how quickly they can change. Fortunately the casualty was wearing a buoyancy aid and Coastguard team were able to reach the casualty in the water prior to our arrival.
We would like to take the opportunity to remind water users to ensure they are wearing the appropriate equipment for the activity they are undertaking, and if anyone finds themselves in out of their depth and in difficulty in the water to use the RNLI ‘Float to Live’ advice. Tilt your head back and submerge your ears, relax and try to breath normally, move your hands to help you stay afloat, it’s okay if your legs sink, spread your arms and legs to improve stability. Remember this advice, and share it.’
Notes to editor:
· Attached photo (Photo 1) shows both Fishguard lifeboats off Dinas Head responding to the incident. (20 September 2024). Photo credit: RNLI/Fishguard
· Attached photo (Photo 2) shows the view from the all weather lifeboat of the scene with Coastguard on the clifftop and inshore lifeboat in the area of the old lifeboat station. (20 September 2024). Photo credit: RNLI/Fishguard
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
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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 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.