Aberystwyth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew bring vessel to safety

The volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 1.45pm with volunteer Helm Paul Williams in command of the lifeboat alongside his fellow crew.

Paul said:

‘Luckily the weather was favourable on Saturday and the sea state was calm, so we soon launched and were on the water heading towards the casualty vessel. It took us a fair while to reach the boat as they were over 3.5 miles from the coast.’

Once the crew arrived on scene a welfare check was carried out to make sure no one was injured or required any medical attention. After it was established that everyone was OK, Paul and his crew assessed the situation liaising with the Coastguard on the best course of action.

Paul said: ‘The three people, and even Archie the dog, onboard the boat were grateful for our arrival. They had been stranded for over an hour after their boat lost all power. They had been attempting to contact any other vessels in the area for support but to no avail.’

Due to the time that had passed with the casualty vessel trying to contact nearby boats for any support, and because the boat had lost all power so was unable to move to a place of safety, their was a risk that if left – the boat could drift and endanger those onboard.

‘With no other vessels able to assist and options exhausted, the decision was made to establish a tow and bring the three people and Archie the dog back to safety. Thankfully everyone on board was wearing lifejackets – including Archie!’

The crew established a tow and brought the vessel to safety at Aberystwyth Harbour. With everyone safely returned the lifeboat stood down and returned to station.

Paul added: ‘Although a long shout for us, we were delighted to be able help this group and bring them back to safety. They were well prepared with lifejackets and communication methods – meaning they were able to make that call for help after realising they were stuck in a situation where things could have become more dangerous.

‘Even on the shortest trips you can get caught out, so it pays to be prepared, including carrying the right boat safety kit. Make sure you are wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, have a means of calling for help, have an appropriate anchor that holds, can identify your location and are using a kill cord – where appropriate for your craft.’

Notes to editors

• Aberystwyth lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.rnli.org/Aberystwyth

For more information contact Billy Swanson, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07507 885 591 or [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, 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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