Charity

RNLI responds to Mayday call from fishing vessel on fire

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

AT 8:05am on Tuesday morning (Jan 30) Angle All-Weather Lifeboat was requested to launch following a direct page from the Coastguard. A fishing vessel with three persons onboard had issued a Mayday call stating that they were on fire, in a position west of Skokholm Island.

The Lifeboat launched and began making best speed to the casualty vessel. St David’s Lifeboat was also in the process of launching and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187 from St Athan had also been tasked. A local range safety vessel and guard vessels working nearby were also proceeding having responded to the Mayday broadcast.

Around 20 minutes later, the lifeboat arrived on scene, with the helicopter now also overhead and ready to carry out an immediate evacuation if required. The lifeboat and her crew began to assess the situation, and following a discussion with the skipper it transpired that the vessel had suffered an engine fire due to a burst oil pipe and fortunately the crew had managed to get it under control.

An update was passed to the Coastguard and a plan made to transfer two of the lifeboats own fire extinguishers to the fishing vessel as a precaution, before then proceeding to escort the vessel towards Milford Haven.

However, not long after beginning the escort the fishing vessel reported that its remaining functioning engine was now experiencing issues and they requested a tow. The lifeboat crew prepared a tow and shortly after a line was passed and a tow established. At this point, both the Coastguard Helicopter and St David’s Lifeboat were stood down with thanks.

With the tow set, the crew began the 2.5hr tow back towards Milford Haven, where regular welfare checks were undertaken with the vessels crew.

Arriving off the entrance of Milford Docks just after 11am, the fishing vessel was placed into an alongside tow and taken into the lock pits. Following a lock in, the fishing vessel was then manoeuvred into the docks and placed alongside the wall and secured.

With no further assistance required, the lifeboat and her crew were stood down to return to station where she was readied for further service by 12:30pm.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.

Charity

New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat rescues stranded 26ft yacht

Published

4 days ago

April 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW QUAY RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on service at 08:32 this morning to assist a 26ft yacht in difficulty a quarter of a mile from New Quay harbour.

Launching with four volunteer crew members, the D-class lifeboat, the Will Morgan, quickly located the vessel, with one person on board.

Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “The yacht had lost all means of propulsion, both sail and engine, and was unable to recover a fouled anchor.

“Having assessed the situation we decided that the best course of action was to take the vessel under tow to New Quay harbour. We placed two members of our crew on board, disconnected the anchor chain and began the tow.

“Having safely berthed the yacht alongside the harbour wall, we returned to station just after 09:30.”

Charity

New Quay RNLI stalwart volunteer receives award from High Sheriff of Dyfed

Published

5 days ago

April 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RECENTLY, a long-standing member of New Quay RNLI, Tim Richards received an award from the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Medwin Hughes for valuable services to the community.

The High Sheriff Awards are a mark of distinction and recognition given to volunteers, groups and public servants based in Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire who are making a significant contribution to society through enhancing safety and cohesion in our communities.

Stalwart volunteer of New Quay RNLI from shore crew to fundraising, Tim has been part of the crew for over 16 years and has held many positions from shore crew to Chair of New Quay RNLI Fundraising Group including working overseas but always returning to New Quay RNLI.

Tim, aged 74, said, “I was truly honoured to receive my services to the community award from The High Sheriff of Dyfed, Professor Hughes. I’ve been part of New Quay RNLI for over 16 years and encourage anyone to take part. It’s a great institution to be involved with. I’ve always had strong connections to the sea being a keen kayaker and boatman and I’ll continue to support New Quay RNLI as being a volunteer and saving lives at sea is deeply rooted in me.”

Alice Coleman, RNLI Community Manager added, “We would also like to congratulate Tim for his well-deserved award and thank him for all his hard work over the years with the New Quay RNLI crew and with the New Quay RNLI fundraising group. It’s volunteers like Tim who are an integral part of the organisation and ensure the RNLI can continue to save lives at sea.”