First shout for Llandudno RNLI crew member in paddleboard rescue by Little Orme
On Saturday (1 February), Llandudno RNLI were tasked at 1:53 pm following a report of a paddleboarder and a canoeist in difficulty off Angel Bay on the Little Orme.
A nearby windfarm vessel, Prevailer, had also been alerted and made its way to check on the casualties, standing by until the lifeboat arrived. Llandudno’s inshore lifeboat launched promptly at 2:06 pm and reached the casualties within three minutes.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and found that the paddleboard had lost its keel blade, making it nearly impossible to manoeuvre. The canoeist was fine but had stayed alongside the paddle boarder to ensure their safety. The lifeboat’s Helm, Robert Williams, decided the safest and most efficient rescue method was to bring both individuals aboard the lifeboat while towing their paddleboard and canoe alongside the lifeboat and back to shore.
The casualties were safely transported to Penrhyn Bay, where they were met by the Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team for further assistance.
This call out was particularly significant for crew member Calum Darling. Having joined the RNLI in October 2024, Calum has successfully passed multiple assessments and recently completed his Sea Survival course at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. This marked his first lifeboat rescue, a memorable milestone in his RNLI journey.
Helm Robert Williams praised the casualties for their preparedness, stating: ‘The casualties were well prepared, with buoyancy aids and a way of contacting the Coastguard when they got into difficulty. Our volunteers are always ready to respond and to assist those in difficulty at sea.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Luke Heritage, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07873 440661. Alternatively contact Claire Fitzpatrick Smith, RNLI Media Officer on 01202 336789 / 07977 728315
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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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