Flint RNLI launch to investigate drifting RIB

Flint RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat on the high tide at Flint and proceeded to its location, where the first informant had a line attached to the vessel from the shore to keep it from drifting any further and an anchor was deployed. A search was then conducted in the area to make sure no one was in difficulty. After a short search, further information was received from HM Coastguard that the vessel had become detached from its mooring and that the owner would arrange for recovery; with that update the lifeboat was stood down.

On route to Greenfield for recovery, the lifeboat was tasked again to another vessel, a 25-foot yacht drifting in the area of Heswall. Flint lifeboat made its way towards the location, but due to the ebbing tide, access was proving difficult. A further update from HM Coastguard suggested that the yacht was still secured on a mooring, so the lifeboat was stood down and returned to Greenfield for recovery.

Nathan Parry, Helm, said: ‘Thankfully, no one was in danger on this particular occasion, and the first informant did the right thing by contacting the Coastguard. If you are in trouble or see someone else in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

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 have launched 79 times, saving three lives and aided a further 19 people

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For more information contact Carly McCarthy and Aby Norwood Flint RNLI volunteer press officers, at [email protected] or [email protected].

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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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