A dramatic search and rescue took place on Boxing Day morning, involving volunteer crew members from Barry Dock RNLI, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency rescue helicopter, RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, HM Coastguard – Penarth and members of the public.
A person had fallen off a rowing craft off Lavernock Point near the Rannie Buoy, and was unable to get back in.
After crew pagers were sounded, Barry Dock RNLI launched its All Weather Lifeboat, heading to the location where the casualty was last seen, with the crew having calculated the rate of drift and had prepared a search pattern to carry out.
A spokesperson for Barry Dock RNLI said: “It was now a minimum of 45 minutes since the casualty had entered the water, and they were in urgent need of help.
“Barry Dock RNLI crew spotted the casualty in the water approximately 1 mile south of Sully Island. They were recovered to the lifeboat and given much needed casualty care by the crew.
“Returning to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, further medical care was given by the crew. The coastguard helicopter was landed on Jackson’s bay to enable the paramedic on board to give medical assistance while awaiting an ambulance.
“Although extremely poorly when rescued, the casualty has made a good recovery.
“Training and working as a coordinated team throughout the year prepares all crew for situations like this. One Crew, one team.”
As the UK and Ireland braces for Storm Gerrit, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is asking those visiting the coast to be aware of the dangers.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office with winds forecast to reach 70mph on exposed coastlines and heavy rain and snow expected today, Wednesday 28th December, and tomorrow.
Storm Gerrit poses a safety risk to those visiting the coast and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.
RNLI Water Safety Partner, Gareth Morrison, said: “The forecasted strong winds along with heavy rain and snow are likely to cause dangerous conditions for those visiting the coast around the UK and Ireland.
“The RNLI advises staying a safe distance away from the water and cliff edges as the conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea. It is not worth risking your life.
“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if by the coast, or just 999 if inland. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you may end up in difficulty too.’
The RNLI’s safety advice
- Stay well back from stormy, wintery seas and cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tide times before you go
- Take a phone with you
- In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.
The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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