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Llandudno RNLI rescues two wing foilers swept offshore

Lifeboats News Release

Llandudno RNLI's inshore lifeboat launched at 10:55am on Saturday 25 July after HM Coastguard requested assistance for two people on wing foils approximately half a nautical mile north of Angel Bay, Little Orme. One of the casualties was reported to be in the water after feeling unwell.

RNLI/Luke Heritage

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The volunteer crew launched promptly in blustery conditions and made best speed towards the reported location. On arrival, the casualties could not be located. Following discussions with HM Coastguard, the search area was extended and the station's all-weather lifeboat was placed on immediate readiness in case a wider search became necessary.

A short time later, updated information from one of the casualties placed them further offshore than originally reported. The combination of wind and the ebbing tide had carried them around two nautical miles from the nearest shore in a relatively short period.

The inshore lifeboat crew located both casualties, finding one person on their wing foil and the second sitting on their board after entering the water. Both were wearing appropriate equipment. As one casualty required medical assessment, the decision was made to bring both people aboard the lifeboat along with their wing foils, preventing the equipment from becoming a further hazard or prompting additional emergency calls. At this stage, the all-weather lifeboat was stood down.

An ambulance had already been requested by HM Coastguard and was waiting at the beach when the lifeboat returned. Shore crew assisted the casualties ashore, where they were handed into the care of the ambulance service.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Luke Heritage, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Luke Heritage
Lifeboat Press Officer, Llandudno Lifeboat Station

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