First call-out of the year for Abersoch RNLI.
The volunteer crew were paged by HM Coastguard at 5.11pm on Thursday 11 February 2026 following a call concerning a kite surfer in difficulty off Abererch Sands.
The ‘Peter & Ann Setten’ Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched in a calm sea state with poor visibility at 5.20pm. On arrival at the scene at 5.35pm the crew were informed that the casualty was ashore and safe. The casualty had been undertaking a kite surfing lesson when the wind had dropped.
The lifeboat conducted a shoreline search to check that there were no other persons in the water and to confirm that the casualty was safely ashore before they were stood down by HM Coastguard.
Phill Wood, Abersoch RNLI volunteer helm, said ‘The concerned member of the public did the right thing in raising the alarm.’ He added, ‘Tell someone else where you are going and what time you expect to be back. They can then contact the coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.’
The lifeboat returned to the station at 5.59pm where it was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service by the volunteer shore crew.
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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.