Barry Dock RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew bring stricken fishing vessel to safety

The volunteer crew was tasked by HM Coastguard following a Pan Pan call, which indicates that a vessel needs help with a situation that could potentially become dangerous if not addressed promptly. Despite an all-ships call being issued, no other vessels responded to the call for help.

Barry Dock's lifeboat launched from its temporary mooring at Penarth Marina, waiting in the Cardiff Bay Barrage locks until the tide fully flooded the Wrach Channel. With one of the year's biggest tides, reaching a 12m range, the crew then headed west towards the casualty vessel.

As the volunteer lifeboat crew arrived on scene, the Coxswain quickly assessed the situation. With the light fading and temperatures dropping, and with no other vessels able to assist, the decision was made to establish a tow and bring the fishing vessel to safety. The crew recognised that leaving the vessel overnight could have led to serious risk for those on board, who would have been left exposed to the elements in an open boat.

Thankfully all those on board were wearing lifejackets. The crew established a tow and brought the vessel to safety at the outer harbour at Barry, securing it on a local mooring. The lifeboat then refuelled before returning to Penarth Marina, as dredging at Barry Harbour continues for another week.

Martin Bowmer, Coxswain of Barry Dock Lifeboat, said:

‘This was a long shout but it was good to see the crew of the fishing boat prepared with lifejackets. We’re grateful to Penarth Marina and Cardiff Bay Barrage for their assistance, and as always, proud of our volunteer crew for their dedication and teamwork in getting the fishing boat and crew to safety as the sun set and the temperatures dropped as we headed into Penarth.’

This was the second shout for the Barry Dock RNLI crew over the weekend, having also been tasked on Saturday to assist a paddleboarder struggling against the current just off Jackson’s Bay.

Martin added: ‘As the nights start to get lighter and more people think about heading out onto the water, we’re reminding everyone to check that their gear is in good condition and to ensure they have a means of calling for help if they get into difficulty.’

Ends

Notes to editor - Key information about Barry Dock Lifeboat Station:

· Photo Credit: Liv Quinn, Barry Dock RNLI

· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives since 1901, and in July 2024, the station opened its new state-of-the-art facility.

· The RNLI Visitor Experience, opened in 2017, was one of the UK’s first RNLI drowning prevention centres, focusing on beach safety education for families.

· The RNLI provides a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland.

· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D-class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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

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