THE story of Chris Ellery’s unexpected journey across the Irish Sea has captivated many, especially after the photographer from Bristol was found safe in County Wicklow, Ireland, last Saturday. The 54-year-old set off from Pembrokeshire, Wales, with plans for a short solo trip but ended up sparking a large-scale search when he failed to return as expected. This is the background to Ellery’s unplanned voyage and the tense days that followed.

SETTING OFF FROM PEMBROKESHIRE

Chris Ellery, a seasoned boater and keen wildlife photographer, had arrived in Pembrokeshire to capture landscapes and wildlife. On Wednesday, October 30, he launched his small black inflatable boat from Goodwick’s Parrog at around 2:00pm. His family expected him back in Bristol by Thursday, but when he missed check-ins, they grew alarmed. After attempts to reach him went unanswered, the family alerted Dyfed-Powys Police, who quickly launched a search, knowing it was out of character for Ellery not to stay in touch.

SEARCH OPERATION INTENSIFIES

The initial stages of the search focused on the Pembrokeshire coast, as local RNLI lifeboats from Fishguard, St Davids, Little Haven, Cardigan, and New Quay combed the waters. Police located Ellery’s vehicle at Goodwick, while Fishguard RNLI volunteers discovered a tent and other personal items near Carreg Gwastad point—a cove accessible only by boat. These findings, while raising hopes, also intensified concerns about his safety.

As the search expanded, air support joined the effort, with the HM Coastguard deploying rescue helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft from Humberside, scanning from Skomer Island to Mwnt. In total, over a hundred personnel across multiple agencies joined in the search, mobilising a vast range of resources to cover both land and sea.

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY TO IRELAND

While search teams scoured Pembrokeshire’s coastline, Mr. Ellery was adrift on the Irish Sea. He had experienced engine trouble shortly after setting off, and though he managed a temporary fix, his phone had lost power, leaving him unable to communicate or navigate back to safety. Over two days, strong currents and prevailing winds carried him westward across more than 100 km of open sea.

Finally, on Saturday, November 2, he arrived in County Wicklow, Ireland, where he walked into a Garda station to alert authorities. Tired but unharmed, his unexpected arrival in Ireland marked the end of a search that had spanned days and involved the efforts of numerous agencies.

REACTIONS AND RELIEF

Following his safe arrival, Ellery’s family expressed immense relief. His daughter, Kenzie, who had been actively sharing updates and appeals on social media, posted joyfully: “My dad is alive; he has been found in Ireland!” The outpouring of support from friends, family, and even strangers underscored the communal response that had grown around the search.

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Simon Harris, extended a warm welcome, calling the incident “a remarkable story of survival” and expressing relief for Ellery’s family and the Welsh emergency teams involved.

RNLI ISSUES SAFETY ADVICE

The RNLI used Ellery’s experience to highlight the importance of preparation for solo trips at sea. The organisation recommended that all boaters keep family or friends informed of their travel plans and ensure they carry sufficient means of communication, such as a handheld VHF radio or additional power sources for phones.

Mr. Ellery’s unexpected journey serves as a reminder of the sea’s unpredictability and the crucial role that search and rescue teams play in ensuring the safety of those who find themselves in unexpected situations.