Conditions were moderate to rough, with a strong north-westerly wind. Given the urgency and weather conditions, the decision was made to immediately launch the inshore lifeboat (ILB), supported by preparations to launch the all-weather lifeboat (ALB).
Shortly after the alert, the ILB launched with a crew of three and made its way across the bay toward the pier. Upon arrival, the crew spotted members of the public gathered at the end of the pier, pointing toward the uprights on the western side.
The crew quickly located the casualty clinging to one of the smaller pier supports, which was covered in barnacles. Navigating carefully beneath the pier, the ILB helm brought the vessel alongside. The crew successfully pulled the casualty aboard and conducted an immediate welfare check.
The individual had suffered significant cuts from the barnacles and had ingested seawater. The crew promptly requested an ambulance while safely manoeuvring away from the pier. At this point, the all-weather lifeboat was preparing to launch but stood down following confirmation that the casualty had been recovered.
The ILB transported the casualty to the old lifeboat slipway on Llandudno’s North Shore, where they were met by Llandudno Coastguard and an ambulance crew, who took over care.
Following the rescue, the ILB was recovered, washed down, refuelled, and made ready for further service.
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
