Trearddur Bay RNLI tasked to a runaway boat with three teens in the water

The teens were initially assisted by a local fishing boat who was passing by and saw the incident unfold. The fisherman managed to throw a lifejacket to them until the lifeboat arrived. The station’s D class inshore lifeboat launched and once on scene, Helm Lee Duncan navigated the boat alongside the vessel. The casualties were brought onto the lifeboat and assessed by Crew Member Sion Owen.

Thankfully the casualties were well, with minor scrapes and cold. The vessel was brought under control and the lifeboat then returned to station where the casualties were handed over to the care of the Coastguard Rescue Teams and North Wales Police.

Lee Duncan, Trearddur Bay RNLI Helm, said:

‘This was a challenging and unusual shout. The crew demonstrated professionalism and used their training and experience which ensured the three casualties were rescued and brought to safety.

‘The friends of the casualties and the fisherman did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Thank you to our Coastguard Rescue Team colleagues and North Wales Police for their assistance.

‘When using motorboats it’s really important to get the right level of training for the craft you are operating. If going out on the water, ensure there is an emergency action plan in place and everybody has an onboard briefing, in particular on the location and use of the safety equipment including the kill cord.

‘Always drive your boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and to the environment you are operating in.’

If you ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, do not panic. Float to Live; tilt your head back with your ears submerged and relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands and legs gently to help you stay afloat if needed, it's okay if your legs sink. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you can.

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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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