Holyhead ILB Rescue Lone Jetskier
Holyhead RNLI volunteers were called out earlier today (Friday 30 June) after reports of a lone jetskier in trouble within the Holyhead harbour area.
Pagers sounded at 5.10pm, requesting the immediate launch of the inshore D-class lifeboat Mary and Archie Hooper. As the crew were gathering ready to launch, HM Coastguard then communicated that there was a person in the water who was now out of their sight.
The inshore lifeboat launched immediately and headed to the location at speed. En route to the site, the volunteer crew caught sight of the person close to the position given for the adrift jetski in shallower waters. Contact was made quickly, and the casualty was brought aboard the lifeboat. A quick assessment was made, and it was found the person had ingested sea water while struggling to reach the shore, and was also suffering from the effects being immersed in cold water.
The ILB then headed back to the station with the casualty, where he was passed over to casualty care-trained lifeboat volunteers. The lifeboat then headed back to the jetski and towed it back to the local slipway to prevent it becoming a hazard to the ferries, before returning to the station for post recovery checks and to be made ready for any further calls.
Lifeboat Operations Manager at Holyhead Lifeboat Station, David Owens, said,
‘The casualty was fortunate that our crew were able to be on scene so quickly, otherwise there could have been a very different outcome.’
He added
‘The RNLI advise anyone taking part in coastal activities to ensure they are wearing correct equipment, including a suitable lifejacket, and to always carry a means of calling for help. Following a few simple safety guidelines can prevent tragic consequences.’
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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