Drifting sailing vessel triggers launch 15-07-25
The volunteer crew launched the all-weather lifeboat to assist the vessel which was being blown towards rocks.
Fishguard RNLI volunteers were paged at 10.03am on Monday 14 July 2025 with a request from HM Coastguard to launch the charity’s Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII to assist the single crew member of a 16ft sailing vessel which was drifting towards rocks at the North end of Newport beach.
The lifeboat was launched and whilst en-route crew prepared lines to establish a bow tow which could be passed quickly to the casualty to remove the vessel from immediate danger should the need arise.
As the lifeboat arrived on scene it was joined shortly after by a safety boat which had also been requested from Newport Yacht Club and had agreed to take the vessel under tow.
With the tow established the lifeboat escorted the two vessels back to safe water where it was then stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to station.
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers, said:
‘The lifeboat attended and when on scene it was determined that the smaller safety boat was capable of establishing a tow and taking the sailing vessel the whole way back to a mooring. The lifeboat escorted the two vessels with equipment ready to step in should the need arise, however both made it to safe water without incident.’
‘In this case the crew member was able to summon assistance when required. I would like to take the opportunity to remind water users to ensure they are in possession of a means to call for help if needs be. This can be a handheld VHF radio, a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or preferably a combination of these items.’