Early hours callout for The Mumbles Lifeboat
The Mumbles RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Roy Barker IV launched shortly after midnight on Monday 20th April following a request from HM Coastguard to assist a vessel, with concerns for those on board.
A 33-foot angling boat with four people on board was five miles south of Port Eynon Point, struggling against strong spring tides and dangerously low on fuel. Conditions at the time were challenging, with strong tides making progress difficult.
The vessel was unable to anchor safely and was at risk of becoming a hazard to other vessels. Having been on passage from Plymouth, there were also concerns around crew fatigue. Following a full assessment of the situation, the coxswain determined that establishing a tow was the safest and most appropriate course of action.
Due to the extreme tides in the Bristol Channel, options were limited, with the nearest safe haven being Swansea Bay, around 12 miles away.
The Lifeboat established a tow and made steady progress towards Swansea Bay, where, with the marina closed until later that morning and due to low water, the vessel was anchored safely at the Mumbles moorings.
Two of the crew were brought ashore, while the skipper and one crew member remained on board to arrange assistance later that morning.
Deputy Coxswain Dai Thomas said:
“The skipper did the right thing by carrying a VHF and contacting HM Coastguard early. Strong spring tides can significantly increase fuel consumption, especially on longer passages and at night. We would always advise skippers to plan for this and carry a safe margin.”
The Mumbles Lifeboat then returned to station, allowing the volunteer crew to return to their beds at around 4am. The call highlights the importance of contacting HM Coastguard early when situations begin to deteriorate.
You can support the volunteer crew at the upcoming Mumbles Raft Race on Saturday 19 July, helping to raise vital funds to keep the Lifeboat service running.
RNLI media contacts For more information, please contact Mumbles RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert: [email protected] or 07717 793890
Alternatively, contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager: [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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