Watch dramatic moment RNLI volunteers rescue lone sailor from sinking yacht

Due to strong winds and challenging sea conditions during the rescue, which took place in August, the volunteer lifeboat crew were initially unable to spot the casualty vessel. With the sailor unable to use their VHF radio onboard the yacht, they were requested to fire a red flare, which allowed the lifeboat crew to locate the vessel.

Once on scene, Porthcawl lifeboat crew safely transferred the sailor on to the inshore lifeboat and later onto The Mumbles all-weather lifeboat, before the yacht sank, having taken on a significant amount of water. The sailor was taken to safety ashore.

Speaking in August at the time of the call out, Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andrew Walmsley, said:

‘The crew did a great job in difficult conditions. Time was of the essence. Locating the sailor quickly with limited information and evacuating them from the sinking yacht resulted in a life saved. We would like to commend the casualty for being prepared and having multiple means to call for help as well as appropriate safety equipment.

‘Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble on the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.’

The RNLI’s safety checklist for sailing and boating is:

· Always wear an appropriate lifejacket

· Always carry a means of calling and signalling for help

· 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 spare kill cord for powerboats)

· Get the right level of training for your craft

· Always check the weather and tide times

· Make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don't return on time

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

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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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