Back-to-back taskings for Cardigan RNLI volunteer’s first shout
On Monday 17 November 2025, Cardigan RNLI volunteer Sophie Davison experienced back-to-back taskings, for her first ever shout as a crew member on the station’s D class lifeboat.
The first call came at 2.30pm, to a small fishing vessel that had run aground on the River Teifi. Helm Tony Barber, along with crew members Madeleine Barber Ian Streeter and Sophie, launched the D class lifeboat John Darbyshire.
Sophie, who joined the crew in August 2024, said: ‘The feeling of kitting up and launching on my first real shout was exciting. We do so much training at the RNLI to prepare us for any situation, but the first time it’s for real your adrenaline is pumping.’
The lifeboat was soon on scene. After assessing the situation and with no one in any immediate danger, it was decided that the lifeboat crew would standby for safety cover as they waited for the tide to rise and for it to refloat the vessel.
Sophie continued: ‘Thankfully the rising tide refloated the boat and the fisherman continued on his way. We then made our way back to the station and the shore crew were assisting with our lifeboat recovery process, when the pagers sounded again.’
It was a second incident elsewhere on the river and so the lifeboat relaunched immediately. Fortunately the situation was resolved without further action from the lifeboat and the crew were stood down.
Sophie said: ‘Having that second tasking before we’d even fully recovered the lifeboat, shows that we really can be called out at any moment.
‘Although we were stood down before needing to intervene, it was brilliant to get more experience on the lifeboat with my fellow crew.
‘If you ever spot anyone in difficulty at the coast, or find yourself in trouble – call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Paul Adams said:
‘RNLI volunteers train really hard and give up their valuable time to this lifesaving charity. It’s great that Sophie was able to get out on the water for her first shout and put some of her training into practice. We couldn’t launch Cardigan RNLI’s lifeboats without the dedication of all our volunteers.’
The RNLI has some key safety advice if you are planning on heading out on the water. Before you go, plan your trip and check the weather forecast and tide times. Tell someone your plans about where you are going and your estimated time of return. Check all your equipment, inspect your boat and all safety gear, including lifejackets and communication devices – such as a working VHF radio and fully charged mobile phone.