Barmouth RNLI volunteer crew triple header

The pagers sounded twice in quick succession as ALB Ella Larsen was firstly tasked by HM Coastguard, along with Aberdyfi RNLI, to a yacht with a fire on board. Whilst preparing to launch, the crew were diverted to a Dory taking on water in Cardigan Bay, having been overcome by the weather conditions and waves. The Dory had two people on board

On arriving at the scene, the two on board were found to be safe, well and equipped with life jackets and were commended for staying with the vessel, ensuring their safety and ease of location. Once alongside the volunteer crew took the casualties on board and towed the empty vessel back to Barmouth harbour. Ensuring the casualties were safely ashore, the crew then immediately dispatched to assist Aberdyfi RNLI crew who were on their way to deal with a yacht experiencing an electrical fire, approximately two miles northwest of Tywyn.

On arrival at the scene Aberdyfi RNLI crew had removed the uninjured lone sailor from the yacht but were waiting for Barmouth lifeboat to arrive to get a second opinion to assess if the boat was safe enough to tow back to Aberdyfi. The Barmouth RNLI mechanic assessed the yacht, cutting the battery wires and declared it low risk of reignition. Aberdyfi RNLI towed the vessel to Ynyslas. It was discovered that the fire had started from a grease canister that had fallen onto the battery, causing the battery to arc and combust. ALB Ella Larsen and her volunteer crew then headed back to Barmouth lifeboat station.

Whilst the volunteer crew of Ella Larsen were saving lives at sea, the crew back on shore were putting into practice a recent casualty care course they had attended at the station. A member of the public had taken seriously ill in the near vicinity of the boathouse and the crew were alerted to the medical incident and were on hand to assist with treatment until the casualty was evacuated to hospital by air ambulance, which had landed on the boathouse forecourt. We are delighted to report he is making a good recovery.

For more information please contact Sarah Radford Barmouth Lifeboat Press Officer on 07887 492210 or Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer – Wales and North West on 07771 941390 / 01745 585162

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.