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Heroic RNLI lifeboat crew battles storm betty to save stricken yachts

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ANGLE’S RNLI lifeboat crew emerged as unsung heroes last night, executing three back-to-back rescues during the ravages of Storm Betty. Facing Force 10 winds that gusted up to 56 knots and towering 6-meter seas, the team spent more than 10 gruelling hours at sea.

The series of events began with a Mayday call at 6:30 pm from a distressed yacht nearing the shoreline below Dale Fort. The lone sailor on board was in imminent danger as the yacht began to drift ashore. Angle’s All-Weather Lifeboat, making the best of rapidly deteriorating conditions, raced towards the yacht.

In a show of solidarity at sea, both a Port Authority pilot vessel and a Svitzer tug, initially aiding an oil tanker, redirected their paths to assist the beleaguered yacht. By the time the lifeboat crew arrived, the yacht was partially submerged, its lone sailor still aboard. Despite their efforts, the pilot crew could only tether the sinking vessel.

In challenging conditions, the RNLI’s smaller Y boat was swiftly dispatched to extract the sailor. As this daring rescue unfolded, news of another yacht in distress reached the crew. This vessel, near Dale Beach, had broken free from its mooring, its single occupant in peril. The Dale Coastguard Rescue Team monitored the situation closely.

A third distress call followed shortly after. This time, a yacht, situated 30 miles southwest of St Ann’s Head, reported the loss of its sails and steering. The lifeboat crew had to act decisively. The first rescued sailor was transferred to the second yacht, allowing the lifeboat to hasten to the third vessel’s aid.

Navigating the stormy seas, the RNLI crew was joined by a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Newquay and the Appledore All-Weather Lifeboat. Together, they reached the distressed yacht. A tow was quickly established, initiating the arduous journey back to Milford Haven. The helicopter and Appledore Lifeboat soon stood down, having ensured the yacht’s safety.

After nearly six hours and having to reset the tow thrice in treacherous conditions, the lifeboat and the rescued yacht reached the sanctuary of Hobbs Point by 4:30 am.

Finally, with no further calls for aid, the lifeboat and its weary crew returned to the station. By 5 am, the vessel was prepared for any further distress calls, and the crew headed home, having displayed exceptional bravery and dedication during a challenging night at sea.

Charity

Therapy dogs delight Bryan Adams and crew at Utilita Arena

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HAVERFORDWEST-based charity, Cariad Pet Therapy, received VIP treatment during a special visit to Bryan Adams and his crew at the Utilita Arena on the May 19. The visit, which took place in the late afternoon, featured four therapy dogs along with dedicated volunteers from the organisation.

Bryan Adams, currently on a major tour, took a personal interest in the visit, sharing videos of his own dogs with the volunteers. He spent quality time with the therapy dogs – Rylie, a Border Collie; Ruby, a Fox Red Labrador; Max, a Golden Retriever; and Kali, a Black Labrador. Adams, known for his love of dogs, clearly enjoyed the interaction.

The volunteers from Cariad Pet Therapy were not only given the star treatment but were also provided with tickets to the evening’s concert. Meanwhile, the therapy dogs returned home after their heartwarming visit.

This event follows similar visits by the charity to concerts by Pete Tong and Jason Derulo in recent months, with more events planned for the future. Additionally, the volunteers attended the National Lottery Big Bash as special guests last Christmas, enjoying front-row seats for a performance headlined by Take That.

For more information on Cariad Pet Therapy and their work, visit www.cariadpettherapy.co.uk.

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Charity

Charitable donations fund ambulatory heart monitors for Withybush Hospital

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THANKS to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities – the official charity of Hywel Dda Health Board – has funded 10 ambulatory heart monitors worth over £13,000 for Withybush Hospital’s Cardio-Respiratory Department.

The monitors are compact devices which are used to assess a patient’s heart rate and rhythm for a sustained amount of time.

The state-of-the-art monitors will help the Cardio-Respiratory Department provide the best possible service, with accurate, efficient and timely arrhythmia recognition provided on site or at home.

Rhys Bowen, Advanced Cardiac Physiologist, said: “We are so grateful that charitable donations from the local community have enabled us to buy the new monitors.

“The monitors are more adaptable to each patient’s presenting symptoms which will enhance the quality of the data gathered.

“They are more patient-friendly and easier to wear for the duration of the test, so there will be less need for repeat monitoring. They will also support quicker in-patient discharge due to an increase in the number of available monitors and the fact they can be worn by the patient at home and provide remote monitoring.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, visit here.

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St Davids RNLI teams up with Solva Rowing for joint exercise

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THE RNLI St Davids lifeboat crew joined forces with Solva Rowing and Watersports Club for a unique joint training exercise on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The session focused on practising medical evacuation and tow techniques using a Celtic longboat, providing an opportunity for both lifeboat and rowing crews to enhance their rescue skills.

The training aimed to prepare volunteers for a variety of maritime emergency scenarios, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle situations that may arise at sea. The use of the traditional Celtic longboat added an extra layer of challenge and realism to the exercise, simulating conditions that could occur during actual rescue operations.

The collaboration between the two groups was not only a chance for skill enhancement but also a way to strengthen community ties and mutual understanding among the local sea-going organisations. The exercise was documented in photographs by Lyn Jenkins and Cathy Morton, capturing the intense yet constructive nature of the training.

This proactive approach by both the RNLI and Solva Rowing and Watersports Club underscores the commitment of local maritime groups to safety and preparedness, ultimately aiming to ensure that their volunteers are ready and able to save lives at sea effectively.

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