Busy weekend for Aberystwyth lifeboat
The end of the summer holidays proved to be exceptionally busy for Aberystwyth lifeboat crew, who were called out three times over the weekend.
At 1.30pm on the 31 August, the volunteer crew were launched to assist two kayakers reported in difficulty off the coast near Llanrhystud. Fortunately, the kayakers were assisted by a local fishing boat, and subsequently transferred to the lifeboat which conveyed them safely to the shore.
The lifeboat was again launched at 2.30pm on Saturday 2 September following reports that a power boat two miles west at Aberystwyth had lost power with smoke billowing from the engine bay. The vessel was taken undertow and returned safely to Aberystwyth harbour.
On Sunday 3 September the volunteer crew were paged at 2pm to attend the lifeboat station in immediate readiness, however, were stood down before launching. At 7.20pm that evening, the lifeboat was launched to assist two paddle boarders reported in difficulty off North Beach, Aberystwyth. Quickly on scene the lifeboat crew established the paddle boarders had been assisted by the crew of the tall ship London Pelican moored off North Beach.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Mr Geraint Wheeler said: 'We are extremely grateful to our volunteer crew for their commitment over a very busy weekend. We remind everyone enjoying our coastline to do so safely, ensuring they wear appropriate clothing and lifejackets and carry a means of communication to summon assistance if required.'
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
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