ANGLE Lifeboat was summoned into action at 5:42am on Friday (Jun 16), in response to a plea for assistance from the police and coastguard. The mission at hand was to locate a missing man in the vicinity of Gelliswick and The Rath, situated in the scenic Milford Haven.

With urgency in their hearts, the lifeboat crew wasted no time as they swiftly launched their vessel. Racing towards Gelliswick Bay, they strategically deployed the Y boat for a meticulous search along the shorelines, while the all-weather lifeboat ventured slightly farther out to sea. Both teams diligently combed the area towards the east, but a significant development altered their course of action.

The Y boat received a directive to divert back to Gelliswick for an interview with local fishermen who may have witnessed something crucial. Meanwhile, the All-Weather lifeboat, diligently continuing its search, stumbled upon the distressed individual perched on the rocks beneath Point fields Crescent, just east of Hakin Point. Promptly, the Y boat was called back to provide assistance.

Arriving swiftly, the Y boat crew hurriedly assessed the situation and offered reassurance to the casualty. The injured man was then carefully transferred onto the Y boat before being further tended to by the lifeboat crew. They swiftly embarked towards the Mackerel Stage near Milford Docks, where the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and the Police eagerly awaited the casualty’s arrival.

Thanks to the successful landing of the casualty on the shore, the Y boat and its dedicated crew were safely recovered. Expressing gratitude, the lifeboat was officially stood down, and it made its way back to the station, arriving at approximately 7:15am. Eager to serve once more, the vessel was promptly readied for future missions.

However, the day held further challenges for the valiant crew. At precisely 12:11pm on the same eventful day, the lifeboat crew received another summons from the coastguard, beckoning them to aid a 26ft yacht that found itself stranded near Saddle Head, caught between the coastal landmarks of Linney Head and St Govan’s Head. The unfortunate vessel had experienced a debilitating engine failure and lacked any means to hoist its sails.

Without hesitation, the lifeboat leapt into action, arriving at the scene a mere 35 minutes later. A tow line was promptly secured, and the crew commenced a two-hour-long journey, guiding the helpless yacht towards the safety of Milford Haven. By 3pm, the casualty vessel, along with its two crew members, found secure mooring alongside the Mackerel Stage. The lifeboat was subsequently relieved of duty, returning to the station at 3:30pm, where it underwent preparations for future emergencies.

Just two days later, on Sunday the 18th of June, at precisely 2:37pm, the lifeboat received yet another call to arms. This time, the mission entailed assisting in the search for a missing woman between The Rath, Milford Haven, and Gelliswick Bay. Wasting no time, the lifeboat swiftly embarked on its mission, steering towards The Rath. In a coordinated effort, the Y boat was deployed to scour the area between Wards Pier and Newton Noyes jetty, while the All-Weather lifeboat diligently surveyed the waters westward, towards Gelliswick. Additionally, a Port Authority pilot vessel lent a helping hand in the search.

As the thorough search operations commenced, news reached the crews that the missing woman had presented herself to the local authorities. Consequently, all search assets were promptly stood down, signaling their return to the safety of the station.