Charity
Dramatic New Year’s Eve double rescue operation for Angle RNLI
NEW YEAR’S EVE turned into a night of high-stakes drama for the Angle RNLI crew as they were called out twice within a few hours, battling treacherous conditions off the Pembrokeshire coast.
The first call came at 5:28 pm on Sunday, December 31, as the all-weather lifeboat was launched following numerous 999 calls reporting red distress flares in the Lawrenny and Llangwm area. Undeterred by wind gusts reaching 49 knots, the crew embarked on a comprehensive search using FLIR, night vision equipment, searchlights, and radar.
Despite their exhaustive efforts, initially, nothing was found. However, the crew turned their attention to a seemingly abandoned yacht anchored with lights on, accompanied by a dinghy and oars. Unable to raise anyone onboard, the Coastguard was alerted, prompting the RNLI to formulate a plan to board the yacht for investigation.
Deploying the Y boat for safer boarding in challenging wind and tide conditions, a crew member discovered the locked cabin devoid of occupants or signs of distress. A VHF call from Llangwm Yacht Club reported two individuals safely reaching shore in a dinghy, deeming the incidents unrelated. Nonetheless, the Coastguard urged the lifeboat crew to persist with their search.
After an exhaustive sweep from Jenkins Point to Picton Point and back, finding nothing, the crew was stood down by the Coastguard. Dale and Tenby Coastguard Rescue teams were then tasked to continue the search on both sides of the area.
Returning to the station by 8:10 pm, the crew’s brief respite was cut short. Just seven minutes later, they were called back to action, launching the all-weather lifeboat to search for a missing female in the Wards Pier/Milford Haven area.
Utilizing FLIR, night vision equipment, and searchlights, the crew spotted a torch and heat source on Scotch Bay beach. Challenging water conditions prevented a closer approach, leading Dale and Broad Haven Coastguard Rescue Teams to investigate the beach, finding nothing amiss.
The Angle crew persisted, extending their search towards Milford Docks before turning back towards Wards Pier. As they made their way back, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the missing female was found safe in a different location, leading to another stand-down. The lifeboat was readied for service again by 10 pm, capping off a New Year’s Eve marked by relentless dedication and extraordinary efforts by the Angle RNLI crews.
Charity
Therapy dogs delight Bryan Adams and crew at Utilita Arena
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.
Charity
Charitable donations fund ambulatory heart monitors for Withybush Hospital
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.
Charity
St Davids RNLI teams up with Solva Rowing for joint exercise
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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