Abersoch RNLI paged by Coastguard to assist powerboat with mechanical failure.
The volunteer crew received the alert from HM Coastguard on their pagers at 1.33pm on Sunday 21st June 2026 following a report of a powerboat with engine problems at the far side of Porth Ceiriad.
The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 1.59pm in a smooth sea state with good visibility and very little wind. They crew arrived at the scene at 2.12pm.
The casualty vessel, an 18ft powerboat, had two people on board and was equipped with lifejackets and flares. There was no VHF radio on board and due to the location of the incident, there was very limited mobile phone signal. The skipper had to flag down a nearby vessel and ask them to call the Coastguard for assistance. The powerboat had been recently purchased and this was the first time out on the water.
Due to the absence of a reliable means of communication it was decided that the safest option was to establish a safe tow and return the casualty vessel to the main beach.
A spokesperson for Abersoch RNLI said, ‘We would always recommend having your vessel and engine checked thoroughly before heading out on to the water for the first time’. They added, ‘You should ensure that you have a VHF radio with you at all times as mobile phone signal cannot always be relied upon’.
The lifeboat left the casualties at 2.55pm and returned to the lifeboat station where the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and left ready for service.
If you get into difficulty or spot someone else in trouble dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Leather, 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.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.