St Davids RNLI Launch to Drifting Yacht

All-weather lifeboat Norah Wortley launched and headed in lumpy seas three nautical miles north of St Davids head where the yacht with two people on board was drifting.

Upon assessment, deputy Coxswain Mike Phillips made the decision that undertaking a tow was necessary and the safest way to assist the casualties who were cold, seasick and tired. The yacht would have likely been wrecked against the shore within a few hours, had the casualty yacht not been towed.

The towed vessel was returned to the nearest safe and suitable port at Fishguard harbour where Fishguard lifeboat crew provided St Davids volunteers with a welcome coffee break. The charity’s lifeboat returned to station at St Davids at 11:30pm.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 804 922 or [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on 07977 728 315 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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.