TENBY’S Inshore lifeboat was launched at 4.40pm on Saturday (May 4), following a report of a possible dinghy in difficulty off Pendine.

The volunteer crew made best speed to the area, some 6 miles north east of the station.

Upon arrival, the crew soon spotted the unoccupied dinghy, which was attached to a mooring buoy. It turned out to be a tender for a fishing vessel and in no difficulty.

With the shout classed as a false alarm with good intent, the lifeboat was stood down to return to station, arriving at 5.15pm.

WILLOW a cherished family dog, has been reunited with her owners after a harrowing 12-day disappearance.

The heartwarming conclusion to her ordeal unfolded when she was discovered by holidaymakers halfway down a cliff near Penberi.

The saga began when Willow went missing, leaving her owners distraught and launching a community-wide search effort.

Despite the anxious days that followed, hope flickered when a group of vacationers chanced upon Willow during a stroll.

Quick-thinking and resourceful, they captured images of Willow’s precarious position, took note of nearby landmarks, and promptly relayed this vital information to her grateful owners.

Equipped with these invaluable visuals, HM Coastguard rescuers from the St Davids team were able to pinpoint Willow’s location with precision.

Upon arrival, they called out to her, prompting the weary dog to respond with intermittent howls. Amidst the rugged coastal terrain, the reassuring voices of her rescuers provided solace until the arrival of the Coastguard team.

Led by a dedicated crew, a daring cliffside operation ensued, culminating in Willow’s safe retrieval. Greeted by wagging tails and relieved smiles, the successful rescue mission saw Willow reunited with her owners, albeit thin and nursing a minor injury.

Expressing profound gratitude, Willow’s owners extended heartfelt thanks to the community for their unwavering support. From spreading the word to actively scouring the countryside, the collective efforts of friends, strangers, and local establishments played a pivotal role in Willow’s safe return.

Ella Sutton said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for your generosity, time, sharing, walking, droning, driving, thoughts, prayers and messages. Thank you to all those that have kept an eye out for her on your everyday or deliberate walks, runs and cycles, and to those that have driven around especially, hoping to glimpse a sighting. Many of you we know, but many we don’t.

“Thank you to the campsites and cafes for having posters and telling people around. Thank you to those that have called with sightings. And a huge thank you Anna who spotted her, and HM Coastguard – St Davids for bringing her back to us.

“All your help is SO appreciated. We’ve felt very supported and cared for by the community and beyond. We are so so happy to have our lovely Willow home and we’ll all sleep better tonight!

“As Willow savors the warmth of home, plans are underway to ensure her safety in the future, with a tracking collar soon to be fitted.”

A very happy ending!

THE Angle All-Weather Lifeboat sprang into action once again, answering its third call over the Bank Holiday weekend. The urgent summons came at 10:34 am on Sunday morning, triggered by a distressing 999 call from a dive vessel. The vessel reported an injured diver on board, who had taken a fall while entering the water, resulting in suspected broken ribs.

Responding promptly, the lifeboat set sail, swiftly navigating to the distressed vessel stationed near the Dakotian buoy in Dale, a popular diving locale. Concurrently, the Milford Haven Harbour Patrol vessel and another dive boat mobilised to aid the operation. Fortunately, before the lifeboat’s arrival, reports confirmed that the injured diver had been safely recovered by another dive vessel.

Upon arrival, two skilled crew members with expertise in casualty care were deployed onto the dive vessel to assess and administer aid to the injured diver. Following a thorough assessment, the casualty was provided with oxygen and wrapped in blankets to stave off the chill.

Once stabilised, the casualty was carefully transferred onto the lifeboat and transported to the Port Authority jetty, where the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and a paramedic awaited their arrival, poised to continue the medical assessment. Subsequently, upon deeming the casualty fit for transfer, the paramedic assumed responsibility and conveyed the individual to the hospital for further treatment.

With the successful completion of the rescue mission, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to base.

However, as the lifeboat was nearing its station, the crew intercepted a distress call, a Mayday, emanating from a vessel in need. Responding swiftly, the lifeboat diverted its course to assist once more.

Upon reaching the designated area near the outer pontoon at Dale, it was confirmed that a local dive vessel had already rendered assistance, preventing the yacht from drifting into peril. Investigation revealed that the yacht had encountered mechanical issues, including an overheating engine and a malfunctioning electric windlass, prompting the distress call to the coastguard.

Efficiently, a tow was arranged, and the troubled yacht was safely escorted to Milford Marina, where it found refuge alongside the lock pits pontoon approximately an hour later. With the situation resolved, the lifeboat and its crew were stood down and returned to station, ready to respond to any subsequent emergencies.

Early this morning, at 12:24 am, the crew received a direct page from the Coastguard, summoning their assistance for a person in distress in the waters off Haverfordwest. Both the Dale and Broad Haven Coastguard Rescue Teams were also mobilised to aid in the operation.

However, just as the crew was preparing to launch, the mission was called off as the person in distress was successfully rescued from the water.