Burry Port RNLI volunteer crew save two people from vessel struggling in surf

The station’s Atlantic 85 The Misses Barrie had just launched on a separate tasking, when the shore crew spotted a vessel in difficulty in front of the lifeboat station.

With the vessel appearing to have lost power and drifting beam-on to the waves, the remaining crew made the decision to self-launch the station’s D class lifeboat Williams and Cole.

The lifeboat launched into challenging surf conditions with Rob Davies as helm and Rhydian Bowen and Doug Humphries as crew. Arriving on scene within minutes, they found two people on board the small craft. The vessel’s anchor had been deployed, but due to the conditions it was dragging and taking waves over the bow.

Rob Davies, Helm on the shout said:

‘Usually the Coastguard will task us to launch on a shout, however, if we receive other sources of information that lives are in danger, we can assemble a crew to self-launch the lifeboat. That’s what happened when our shore crew volunteers spotted this vessel in difficulty.

‘As we were at the station for the launch of the Atlantic 85 on the first shout – we had a crew ready to go in minutes.

‘After arriving on scene, it was clear it was too dangerous to attempt a tow in the breaking surf. Instead we made the decision to evacuate both casualties from the vessel and onto the lifeboat.’

Despite waves breaking over the boats, both casualties were safely recovered aboard the lifeboat and returned to the safety of Burry Port Harbour, where they were met by shore crew and checked over.

The vessel, which had reportedly lost its outboard engine after taking a wave over the stern, later washed up onto rocks near the harbour slipway.

Rob continued:

‘The decision to self-launch was absolutely the right call, after it became clear that the vessel was in real danger within the surf zone. The quick actions of our volunteer crew ensured both casualties were brought safely ashore despite very challenging conditions. It’s a reminder of how unpredictable the sea can be, even close to the harbour.

‘We’re grateful for the casualties’ co-operation during the shout and willingness to evacuate their vessel for the safety of the lifeboat and we’re really pleased we could return them to shore unharmed.

‘If you are heading out on the water there are a few key things to remember to keep you and all those onboard safe.

‘Before you go, plan your trip and check the weather forecast and tide times. Tell someone your plans about where you are going and your estimated time of return. Check all your equipment, inspect your boat and all safety gear, including lifejackets and communication devices to ensure they are in good working order.

‘And if you do get into difficulty, contact the Coastguard on your VHF radio or by calling 999 on your mobile.’

Notes to editors:

• Launch times: Self-launch authorised 7.01pm, launched 7.09pm, recovered 7.20pm
• Assets involved: Burry Port RNLI D class lifeboat Williams and Cole
• Weather and conditions: Rough surf line on high tide
• Casualties: Two people recovered safely; vessel later grounded on rocks near harbour entrance.

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact: John Massocchi, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Burry Port RNLI, on 07909 571 551 or email [email protected].

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager, on 07977 728 315 or email [email protected] RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].

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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.

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