Services - 2006
16th October 2006 - ALB
On Monday 16th October at 2:47pm St Davids RNLI all weather lifeboat crew were paged to assist a yacht that had made a 'MayDay' call reporting to be on fire to the north of Skomer Island. However before the lifeboat was launched Milford Haven Coastguard were able to establish that the vessel was in fact south of Skokholm Island with the fire under control so the lifeboat was stood down.
9th October 2006 - ALB and ILB (Two Calls) - Press Release
On Monday the 9th of October at 6:55pm both St David’s
RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and
inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Neil Thomas launched on
service following reports of seven persons in the water
approximately ¾ of a mile south of Porthgain Harbour. The
persons in the water were members of a local rowing team, whose
“Viking Longboat” had capsized. A local boat had
recovered all persons before the arrival of the lifeboats. The St
David’s inshore lifeboat recovered the damaged longboat and towed
it into Porthgain Harbour. All persons were safe and well
and did not require medical attention. Both lifeboats then
proceeded to their home station.
Whilst en-route the crews spotted flashing strobe lights at the base of the cliffs at St John’s Point. On investigation it was discovered that there were two kayakers at the foot of the cliff suffering from exhaustion. Both Kayakers had been making their way from Ramsey Island to St Justinian when they were caught by the strong tides. Kayakers and Kayaks were brought ashore by the lifeboats.
Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copley, Ian Gray & Ffion Rees.
Crew ILB: Neil Thomas, Nicholas Phillips, Andy Iceton
5th October 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On the 5th of October at 10:20am the St David's all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John launched on service to search for the location of an Emergency Position Indicating Beacon which had sent a distress signal picked up by Milford Haven Coastguards. The EPIRB is a piece of emergency equipment which gives off a signal when a vessel is in distress.
The coastguards gave the lifeboat an indication that the
signal was coming from the St Brides Bay Area. The lifeboat searched
the area thoroughly as far as Broad Haven with nothing being picked up on
their radar or other equipment. The coastguards in conjunction with
the lifeboat decided that it had probably been activated on land. The
lifeboat returned to station rehousing at 11:50am.
Crew: David John, Michael Phillips, Ian Gray, Simon Thornton, Nicholas
Phillips, Alan Evans & Ffion Rees.
24th September 2006 - ALB - Press Release
St Davids Lifeboat approaches the 'Coral Ann'
On Sunday 24th September at 7:25pm following a Mayday
transmission received by Milford Haven coastguards the St David's
all-weather lifeboat under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes launched
on service to the aid of a 29ft passenger boat "Coral Ann" which had
suffered damage to its drive shaft. The casualty had two male adults
onboard and had stated to the coastguards that they were to the south of
Ramsey Sound. The lifeboat found the casualty off St David's Head
where the strong northerly tides had carried them. The casualty was
taken under tow to a safe anchorage inside Porthclais Harbour. The
lifeboat lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 9:30pm.
Crew: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Robin
Copley, Ian Gray & Simon Thornton.
24th September 2006 - ALB - Press Release
St Davids Lifeboat enters Milford Docks with the
'Dragon Heart'
On Sunday 24th September at 1am the St David's RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on
service to the aid of a 40ft yacht "Dragon Heart" which had transmitted a
Mayday message which was received by Milford Haven coastguards. The
casualty was in a position approximately four miles north west of the Smalls
lighthouse and had suffered total engine failure. There were two male
adults onboard who were French and suffering from exhaustion and sea
sickness. The vessel had been on passage from Ireland to France.
The lifeboat put two crewmembers aboard the casualty and took it under tow
into Milford Haven Docks. It was a long operation with the lifeboat
returning to station and rehousing at 8:20am.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Ian Gray,
Neil Thomas, Nicholas Phillips & Andy Iceton.
19th September 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Tuesday 19th of September at 1:25pm St David's RNLI
Lifeboat Crew were paged to launch to the passenger vessel "Aquaphobia"
which was near to the lifeboat station and had suffered one of it's engines
to fail and the other to have a fouled propeller. As the crew
assembled at the boathouse Milford Haven coastguards cancelled the call as
another passenger vessel "Ocean Ranger" had managed to tow the casualty back
to it's moorings at St Justinian.
16th September 2006 - ALB - Press Release
'Treble 2' on her mooring at Porthclais after the
rescue
On Saturday 16th September at 6:35pm the St David's RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of Deputy 2nd coxswain David John launched
on service to the aid of a pleasure craft which had suffered total engine
failure. The casualty a 24ft craft called "Treble 2" had four persons
onboard Mr J Davies from St David's and three members of his family.
The casualty was in a position on the south side of Ramsey Island. The
lifeboat was soon on scene and took the casualty under tow to Porthclais
Harbour. Once at Porthclais because of the lack of water under the
lifeboat as the tide was out they were unable to take the casualty into the
harbour.
Local coastguard Tony Pearce came out of Porthclais in his boat and took
over the tow and secured the casualty back on his moorings inside the
harbour. The lifeboat then returned to station and rehoused at 7:30pm.
Crew ALB: David John, Clive Hayes, Robin Copley & Ffion Rees.
13th September 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Wednesday the 13th of September 2006, at 10:10am, the
RNLI St Davids all weather lifeboat launched on service to the aid of a 28ft
yacht which was in difficulty near Solva harbour. The yacht had broken down
and had drifted on to rocks near the harbour entrance and the yachtsman had
been forced to enter the water. The yachtsman was picked out of the water by
Solva fisherman Nick Davies, who also towed the yacht in to the safety of
Solva harbour. The lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 10:50am.
Crew: M.Gray, M.Phillips, J.Martin, P.Rees, N.Thomas
7th September 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
On Thursday the 7th September at 7:04pm both St David's RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray and St
David's inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Robin Copely launched
on service to search for a 21yrs old kayaker reported to be in difficulties
while attempting to make her way across the rough seas of the Ramsey Sound
to St Justinian.
The kayaker was one of a party who had been kayaking near the Bitches in the
Ramsey Sound. The other kayakers made it ashore safely at St Justinian
and raised the alarm about their fellow kayaker who was in difficulties.
A search was carried out from the lifeboat station to St David's head ,when
news came that she had managed to get ashore in an area known as St John's
Point.
St David's inshore lifeboat was first on scene where they discovered that
the casualty had managed to scale the rocks to the cliff path where she was
met by a local coastguard team. The kayaker had a lucky escape as she
was in a life threatening position due to the strong tides. The
inshore lifeboat recovered the kayak and returned it to the lifeboat
station. Both lifeboats rehoused at 7:50pm.
Crew ALB: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Ian
Gray & Andy Iceton.
Crew ILB: Robin Copely, Mike Rogers & Padrig Rees.
3rd September 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
St Davids ALB escorts the ILB back to station
On Sunday 3rd September at 9:15am both St David's RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray and St
David's inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Neil Thomas went to
the aid of a 4.5 metre inflatable boat which had fired two red distress
flares. The casualty with one adult male from St David's onboard was
in a position outside Porthclais Harbour and had suffered total engine
failure. As the lifeboats approached the casualty he had managed to
start his engine and made his way back into Porthclais Harbour where he was
met by local coastguards. Both lifeboats then proceeded to station and
rehoused at 9:55am.
Crew ALB: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, Clive Hayes, David John, Jestyn
Martin, Gillian Gray & Mike Rogers.
Crew ILB: Neil Thomas, Nicholas Phillips & Andy Iceton
31st August 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
On Thursday 31st August at 7:25pm both St David's RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray and St
David's RNLI inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Simon Thornton
launched on service following a report of a wind surfer in difficulties in
St Brides Bay. The lifeboats were joined in their search by the Little
Haven RNLI inshore lifeboat and coastguard teams from Broad Haven & St
David's.
An extensive search was carried out on the fore shore at Newgale beach and
out to sea in St Brides Bay with nothing found. At 9:45pm Milford
Haven coastguards called off the search as all areas had been covered.
Both St David's lifeboats returned to station and rehoused at 10:10pm.
This incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent.
Crew ALB: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Robin Copely, Jestyn
Martin, William Chant & Alan Evans
Crew ILB: Simon Thornton, Huw Thornton & Mike Rogers
29th August 2006 - ILB - Press Release
On Tuesday 29th of August at 8:50pm the St David's inshore
lifeboat under the command of helmsman Robin Copley launched on service
following a report that a dog had fallen over the cliff near Caerfai Beach.
Once the lifeboat arrived on scene they discovered the dog at the base of
the cliff suffering from a broken leg. It was decided to take the dog
on board the lifeboat and transport it to Porthclais Harbour where it was
greeted by it's owner and a vet. Once the dog had been handed over to
them the lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 10:00pm.
Crew: Robin Copley (helmsman), Jestyn Martin & Gillian Gray.
25th August 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Friday 25th August at 6:40pm the St Davids all-weather
lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on service
following reports of a dinghy in difficulties north of St Davids head.
The 8ft dinghy which had one male adult onboard had oars but no engine and
was been swept along by the strong tides and was in a position between St
Davids head and Abereiddi beach. Once the lifeboat was on scene crew
members recovered the dinghy and occupant onto the deck of the lifeboat.
The lifeboat then proceeded to Porthseli beach where the casualty had
originated from and lowered the dinghy into the sea for him to row into the
beach where he was met by a local coastguard team. The lifeboat then
proceeded to station rehousing at 7:50pm.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, David John, Jestyn Martin, Ian Gray, William Chant, Andy
Iceton & Padrig Rees.
9th August 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
On Wednesday 9th of August 2006 at 6pm as both St Davids
RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were about to launch on exercise they
were tasked to go to the aid of a wind surfer that was reported to be in
difficulties near the North Bishop rock. The lifeboats in fact found
the surfer in Whitesands Bay near St Johns Point and he was safe and well.
The crews made sure that he got ashore safely at Porthseli beach and he was
also advised as to his safety because of the strong currents in that area
which is the Ramsey Sound. The lifeboats then proceeded to carry out
their exercise.
Crew ALB: Malcolm Gray, Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, David John, Ian Gray,
Padrig Rees and Bob Burns (Divisional Engineer West).
Crew ILB: Robin Copely, Mike Rogers and Andy Clift (Divisional Inspector
Lifeboats West).
5th August 2006 - ALB - Press Release
The occupants of the Fletcher 14 await the arrival of
St Davids Lifeboat
On Saturday 5th August 2006 at 6:20pm the St Davids RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on
service to the aid of a 14ft Fletcher speed boat which had suffered total
engine failure. The casualty had one person plus a dog on board and
was in a position one mile north of Ramsey Island. The lifeboat was on
scene in ten minutes and took the casualty under tow into Whitesands Beach
where it was met by a local coastguard team. The lifeboat returned to
station and rehoused at 7:05pm.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Nicholas
Phillips & Andy Iceton.
3rd August 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Thursday 3 August 2006 at 3:20pm the St Davids RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes launched
on service following a report by a member of the public that a kayak with
one person on board was in difficulties. The position of the kayaker
was west of Newgale beach and to the south of the Green Scar rock.
Once the lifeboat was on scene they discovered that the kayaker was in fact
fishing and all was well. The lifeboat then returned to station and
rehoused at 4:55pm. This incident was treated as a false alarm with
good intent.
Crew: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Simon Thornton, Nicholas
Phillips, Padraig Rees & Gareth Morris.
29th August 2006 - ILB - Press Release
St Davids ILB leaves Porthstinan to assist canoeists
On Saturday 29th of July at 2:20pm following a report from a
member of the public the St Davids inshore lifeboat launched on service to
the aid of four canoeists in difficulties. They were in a position
between the lifeboat station and Whitesands beach an area known as St John's
Point. The lifeboat was soon on scene where they discovered that in
fact all the canoeists were safe and well and did not require any
assistance. The lifeboat then proceeded to station rehousing at
2:35pm.
The incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent.
Crew: Robin Copley, Neil Thomas, Nicholas Phillips.
26th July 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Wednesday 26th of July at 12:50pm the St Davids RNLI
all-weather lifeboat under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes launched
on service to the aid of 14 metre yacht with a fouled propellor. The
yacht was in a position one mile south of the South Bishops rock.
While the lifeboat proceeded to the incident the crew of the yacht managed
to untangle the debris from the propellor and set themselves free.
Milford Haven coastguards contacted the lifeboat and instructed them to
return to station where they rehoused at 1:10pm.
Crew: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Andy Iceton, Simon
Thornton, Nicholas Phillips, Gareth Morris.
21st July 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
On Friday 21st July 2006 at 8pm the crews of both St Davids
RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were paged to standby at the lifeboat
station in readyness to launch following reports that an aircraft had
crashed into St Brides Bay. Little Haven inshore lifeboat had already
launched and three teams of coastguards had been mobilised. Three
aerobatic planes had been seen in the area earlier in the day, and after
making further enquiries Milford Haven called off the incident at 8:50pm.
This call was treated as a false alarm with good intent.
Crew ALB: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Andy Iceton, Mike
Rogers, Ffion Rees, Alan Evans.
Crew: Simon Thornton, Nicholas Phillips, Gareth Morris.
11th July 2006 - ILB - Press Release
On Tuesday 11th of July at 5:40pm the St Davids RNLI inshore
lifeboat under the command of helmsman Ian Gray launched on service
following reports that two persons were in difficulties on the cliff face at
Caerfai beach. A local coastguard team were dispatched and arrived on
scene to discover that all was well and that these persons were in fact
coaststeering. This incident was reported by a member of the public to
Milford Haven coastguards and was treated as a false alarm with good intent.
The lifeboat was then released and returned to station and rehoused at
6:00pm.
Crew: Ian Gray, Ffion Rees, Huw Thornton
9th July 2006 - ALB - Press Release
'Alkira' lies alongside the harbour wall in Solva
following her rescue
On Sunday 9th July at 00:21am the St Davids RNLI lifeboat
under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on service into a gale
force 8 to the aid of a 27ft yacht "Alkira" which due to the severe weather
conditions was dragging her anchor which resulted in her running aground in
a position near the Black Rock at the entrance of Solva Harbour.
The lifeboat arrived on scene within 25 minutes and discovered because it
was low tide they were unable to get closer than 200 metres to the casualty.
Because of the severe weather conditions which prevented the launch of the
St Davids RNLI inshore lifeboat was decided to mobilise the Little Haven
RNLI inshore lifeboat and transport it by road to Solva Harbour. The
inshore lifeboat was able to launch at Solva Harbour and proceed to the
casualty as conditions inside the harbour was fairly calm. The inshore
lifeboat managed to get a tow line to the casualty and proceed with a tow
into the safety of the harbour, by this time the tide was rising and they
did not encounter any problems.
St Davids all-weather lifeboat stood by until everyone was safely ashore
before returning to home station and rehousing at 2:55am.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Robin
Copely, Ian Gray & Andy Iceton.
11th June 2006 - ILB - Press Release
On Sunday 11th June at 4:45pm the St Davids inshore lifeboat
under the command of helmsman Neil Thomas launched on service to the aid of
a man who was cut off by the tide at Porth Lleuog bay near Whitesands Beach.
The lifeboat was on scene within minutes and were able to guide a coastguard
team to where the man was. The lfeboat stood by while the coastguards
escorted the casualty to safety. Once the casualty was safely ashore
the lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 5:10pm.
Crew: Neil Thomas, Ian Gray, Padraig Rees.
10th June 2006 - ALB - Press Release
Fishguard lifeboat and Rescue Helicopter 169 prepare to transfer the casualty recovered from the 'Adrea'
On Saturday 10th June at 10:05am the St Davids all-weather lifeboat under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes launched on service following a mayday transmission received by Milford Haven coastguards. Fishguard all-weather lifeboat was also launched, a RAF rescue helicopter scrambled and coastguard teams were dispatched. At this time it was not known who was in difficulty.
Following a search in an area four miles north of Strumble Head lighthouse the Fishguard lifeboat discovered a 25ft yacht called "Adrea". Once they came along side this yacht they found a man overboard being pulled along while still attached to the yacht by his lifeline. The casualty was then taken on board the lifeboat and the rescue helicopter airlifted him to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest where later he sadly died.
This yacht had been on passage from Pwllheli in North Wales
to Newquay in Cornwall. Once Milford Haven coastguards had discovered
that there was only one person on this casualty the search was halted and
all crews returned to their stations. The lifeboat rehoused at 2pm.
Crew: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copely,
Nicholas Phillips, Gareth Morris and Mike Rogers.
9th May 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
On Tuesday 9th May at 7:30pm following a request by Dyfed
Powys Police both St Davids all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched on
service to assist in the search for a 25year old male who was missing from
the Llanrhian area. The police were concerned for this gentleman's
safety, St David's and Fishguard coastguard teams were also dispatched.
The lifeboats carried out a thorough search between Abereiddi beach and
Porthgain Harbour. At 9:45pm the gentleman was found safe and well at
his home address and both lifeboats were released to return to station ,
rehousing at 10:10pm.
Crew ALB: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copley, Ian
Gray, Neil Thomas, Padrig Rees.
Crew ILB: Simon Thornton, Huw Thornton, Andy Iceton.
3rd May 2006 - ALB - Press Release
St Davids Lifeboat approaches the 'Black Magic'
On Wednesday 3rd May 2006 at 6:30pm the St David's lifeboat
under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on service to the aid of
a 7 metre inflatable RIB which had suffered total engine failure and had
fired three red distress flares. These flares were detected by a
member of the public who quickly informed Milford Haven Coastguards.
The casualty called "Black Magic" had two persons onboard the owner/skipper
Mr Blackstone and a friend from Porthgain.
They were in a position approximately one mile west of Porthgain Harbour.
The lifeboat was on scene within 25 minutes and took the casualty under tow
into Porthgain Harbour. The lifeboat returned to station and rehoused
at 7:50pm.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, Robin Copely, Ian Gray, Andy Iceton,
Simon Thornton, Alan Evans.
2nd April 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Sunday 2nd of April at 10:45am the St David's lifeboat
under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray launched on service following a
report by a member of the public that there were two vessels in difficulties
south of Newgale beach. A coastguard team from Broad Haven was also
dispatched to walk the coastal path.
The lifeboat carried out a thorough search from Newgale to Druidston but did
not discover anything. At 12 noon Milford Haven coastguards called off
the search and treated the call as a false alarm with good intent. The
lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 12:20pm.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copely, Roland Bateman, Neil
Thomas, Gareth Morris, Mike Rogers.
19th March 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Sunday 19th March at 11:30am the St David's lifeboat under the
command of deputy 2nd coxswain David John launched on service following a
report from a member of the public that a white flare had been spotted off
Abercastle Beach. An extensive search was carried out by the lifeboat
together with Fishguard coastguard team and nothing was found. Milford
Haven coastguards instructed the lifeboat to return to station and rehouse
at 2:10pm. This incident was treated as false alarm with good intent.
Crew: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copely,
Nicholas Phillips, Simon Thornton, Mike Rogers.
4th March 2006 - ALB - Press Release
On Saturday 4th March at 10am whilst out on exercise the St Davids lifeboat under the command of coxswain Malcolm Gray picked up a mayday message from a fishing vessel "Calon Mor" off Skokolm Island. The message was from a crew member on the boat stating that his skipper had gone overboard and he was unable to recover him. The lifeboat who had local GP Dr Sarah Hamilton onboard headed for the casualty.
While the lifeboat was on its way another fishing vessel "Alisha"
arrived on scene and managed to get the casualty into their boat and were
administering first aid.
The lifeboat arrived on scene followed by a Sea King Rescue helicopter from
RAF Chivenor both patient and Doctor Hamilton were winched aboard and taken
to Withybush Hospital where sadly the casualty passed away.
The crew member from the" Calon Mor" was taken aboard the lifeboat and they
headed for the Conservancy board landing pier where an ambulance was waiting
to take him to hospital for the effects of shock. Three members of the
lifeboat crew brought the "Calon Mor" into Neyland Marina. The
lifeboat completed this service at 3pm.
Crew: Malcolm Gray, Michael Phillips, David John, Jestyn Martin, Roland
Bateman, Ian Gray, Mike Rogers.
3rd March 2006 - ILB - Press Release
On Friday 3rd March at 1:45pm while out on exercise the St
Davids Inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Ian Gray were
requested by Milford Coastguards to carry out a shore line search from
Ramsey Island to Caerbwdi bay following a report by a member of the public
that a light aircraft had disappeared below cliff height. Canoeists
who were at Caerfai beach had also seen the aircraft flying low.
Following a thorough search of the area the lifeboat was stood down and the
incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent. The lifeboat
returned to station and rehoused at 3pm.
ILB Crew: Ian Gray, Nicholas Phillips.
19th February 2006 - ALB and ILB - Press Release
Above: St Davids ILB and ALB pictured whilst on service for the canoeists.
On Sunday 19th February at 1:15pm both St Davids all-weather
and inshore lifeboats under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes and
helmsman Michael Phillips launched on service to the aid of two canoeists
who were in the water and in difficulties near Porthgain Harbour. As
both lifeboats arrived on scene both canoeists had managed to make it ashore
and were in the care of a local coastguard team. Both lifeboats stood
by while the coastguards recovered the canoe from the cliff base. The
lifeboats were then released and returned to station re-housing at 3pm.
Crew ALB: Clive Hayes, Jestyn Martin, John Bateman, Alan Evans
Crew ILB: Michael Phillips, Nicholas Phillips, Huw Thornton
