First Helm for Barmouth inshore Lifeboat (ILB) crew member, as Craig Steadman la
As the pagers sounded at 8.45pm, ILB Craig Steadman and her volunteer crew were tasked to reports of one person in a dinghy waving their arms off shore around the Dyffryn seaside estate.
As the crew launched into calm seas, with good visibility, they were updated by HM Coastguard that the casualty was now in the water, holding onto the dinghy and trying to make their way to shore.
On arriving in the area the crew were assisted in locating the casualty by the coastguard rescue team who had a visual from the shore, in the fast fading light.
The casualty was safe and well, albeit a bit cold and back on board the dinghy, which had suffered engine failure. The crew returned the casualty to the shore before returning to the boathouse where ILB Craig Steadman was refuelled and readied for service.
Crew member Alex Hill, who Helmed the lifeboat for the first time since qualifying as said: ‘this was an example of excellent team work between Barmouth RNLI and the coastguard rescue team which thankfully had a positive outcome. When we got to the casualty it was dark. We would advise anyone who has broken down to stay in their vessel until help arrives as the shore can be further away than it looks. It’s easier for us to locate a boat rather than a head in the water. It’s also advisable to take a means of communication with you in case you need to call for assistance.’
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.
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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.