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Charity Bowling Match interrupted for Flint RNLI crew

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday 13 August, the annual charity bowling match event held by Oakenholt Bowling club for Flint RNLI was cut short for the crew after reports of an unmanned drifting kayak.

RNLI/Aby Norwood

The volunteer crew of Flint RNLI were requested to launch the inshore D- class lifeboat, Lady Barbara, by UK Coastguard to investigate reports of a drifting kayak on the River Dee. At 1.45pm, Flint lifeboat launched at Connah’s Quay dock and headed up river in search for the unmanned kayak.

The kayak was found and looked like it had been in the river for some time. After a discussion with the Coastguard, no further searching was performed, and the lifeboat returned to Connah’s Quay dock with the kayak for recovery.

Thank you once again to Oakenholt Bowling Club in organising the event and raising an amazing £749.53 for Flint RNLI.

Flint Lifeboat was later tasked by UK Coastguard to attend a police incident, however, was stood down before the lifeboat was launched.

James Davies, Flint RNLI Helm requests: 'If no longer useable or wanted please ensure you disposable of any kayaks or equipment properly. If you do see anything in the water, please do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.'

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Flint RNLI or know someone who might be, please email us at [email protected] for more information.

Notes to editors

  • Photo credit: Flint RNLI
  • Flint RNLI lifeboat station was established in 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint
  • Since 2018 Flint RNLI has launched 79 times, saving three lives and aiding a further 19 people

RNLI media contacts

For more information contact Carly McCarthy and Aby Norwood Flint RNLI volunteer press officers, at [email protected] or [email protected]. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07771 941390 or RNLI Press Office 01202 336789.

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.