Training Assessment Turns Into A Shout For Holyhead RNLI
During a routine crew assessment and training exercise earlier this week, Holyhead RNLI's inshore lifeboat was diverted to attend a call near Holyhead Breakwater.
At 2pm on Wednesday (September 18) , HM Coastguard contacted the inshore lifeboat crew, asking them to attend a lone sailor on a small motor sailing boat, between the breakwater and North Stack, who had suffered engine problems and was unable to make headway.
As the lifeboat, D-class Mary and Archie Hooper and her crew headed to the location, it became apparent that the sailor in his boat and injured himself earlier that day. The sailor had also informed HM Coastguard that he was not wearing a lifejacket at the time, and was advised to don a lifejacket as soon as possible while the lifeboat headed towards him.
On arriving at the location, two ILB crew were placed aboard the casualty vessel to assess the sailor and gain further information. The sailor had sustained a head injury, but was unsure as to how, and also how he had got to his current position, north of North Stack. The crew gave the man casualty care, and decided the best course of action, given his injuries and the vessel’s lack of power, would be to perform a tow of the casualty vessel back to the nearest safe place, within Holyhead harbour.
A steady tow was made into the harbour, and the casualty and his vessel were delivered safely to a mooring at Holyhead marina. The local volunteer cliff rescue team attended to meet the casualty, along with two RNLI shore crew members who were also casualty-care trained, and the sailor’s injuries and general welfare were re-checked. The cliff rescue team then took over full care of the man, and arranged transport to the local hospital for him to be further assessed.
The lifeboat then headed back to station, to be recovered, and was washed and ready for any further calls by 5.15pm.
Holyhead coxswain Mark Wade said:
‘Well done to all the crew who were able to divert while out on exercise to help this man, who needed our help. Thanks also to the excellent cliff rescue volunteers who were able to meet our crew and take over the man’s care back at shore. We wish the casualty well.’
He added:
‘This situation shows how even in calm conditions, things can still happen, and it’s important to be prepared by wearing a suitable lifejacket and carrying a means of calling for help.’
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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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