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Survey Vessel Aground At Newgale Requires RNLI Assistance

Lifeboats News Release

St Davids RNLI were requested to assist a 24.5 metre survey vessel aground at Newgale beach by HM Coastguard at 6:28pm on Tuesday 14th January.

RNLI/St Davids

Survey vessel aground

All-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched into darkness at 6:40pm and made best speed to Newgale where three to five foot surf waves were landing on the shingle ridge at high tide. The daughter boat was launched to assess the situation.

The twin engined 100 tonne vessel had experienced one engine failure which saw the boat unable to maintain a stern to sea position. As a result, the vessel was broadside onto the pebbles with waves inundating the deck.

Following a request for RNLI salvage pumps, St Davids RNLI Coxswain Will Chant requested the assistance of the Little and Broad Haven D Class lifeboat to assist with pump transfer. Sea conditions ruled out this option so consideration was given to setting up a towline. Due to the size and weight of the stricken vessel, concerns over water ingress and its position on the pebbles, the decision was taken to not compromise the safety of the lifeboats and volunteer crew.

The vessel’s crew were well and able to alight by foot onto the shingle ridge, at which point the lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, with Norah Wortley back readied for service by 8:20pm.

Will Chant, RNLI Coxswain for St Davids RNLI lifeboat, said: ‘The RNLI mission is to save lives at sea, and we endeavour to save boats if possible, but it is beyond our remit to salvage. In this instance, the size of vessel and its position broadside to the beach compromised a tow, therefore once assured the crew were safe ashore, there was nothing further our lifeboats could do.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 804 922 or [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/St Davids

Approaching Newgale and the stricken survey vessel

RNLI/St Davids

Survey vessel aground the following morning, 15th January 2025

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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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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