Services - 2008

9th November 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Sunday 9th of November 2008 at 2:39pm following a 999 call to Milford Haven Coastguards both St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of deputy 2nd coxswain Robin Copley and inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Simon Thornton launched on service to the aid of a 16ft fishing boat with three persons onboard in difficulties at the entrance to Porthclais Harbour.

While proceeding to the incident at the south end of Ramsey Island such were the atrocious conditions of the sea a decision was taken for the inshore lifeboat to return to station, and the all-weather lifeboat proceed alone.

Once on scene it was discovered that the three persons were in fact a father and his two young sons, and that their vessel had a fouled propeller.

They had managed to hold onto a mooring line, the lifeboat then took the two boys onboard and escorted the casualty up Porthclais Harbour to calmer waters where it was safely anchored before taking everyone ashore.

The lifeboat then returned to station rehousing at 3:25pm.

Crew ALB: Robin Copley, Michael Phillips, Ian Gray, Dave Ward, Mike Rogers & Gareth Morris.

Crew ILB: Simon Thornton, William Chant & Padrig Rees.

28th September 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Sunday 28th September 2008 at 3:00pm both St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and St David's inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Robin Copley launched on service to assist in a search for a 50yr old man reported missing in the Whitesands Bay area. The gentleman had been reported missing by his father as they walked the coastal path. St David's Coastguard Team were also dispatched to carry out a cliff path search.

The lifeboats were both on scene in 5 minutes and carried out a shoreline search from Whitesands Beach to a position north of St David's Head. After searching for approximately 30 minutes came the good news that the possible casualty had been found safe and well at the shop in Whitesands. After being reunited with his relieved father both lifeboats returned to station rehousing at 3:50pm.

This incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent.

Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin & John Elsby.

Crew ILB: Robin Copley & Ben Hughes

16th September 2008 - ILB

On Tuesday 16th September at 2:15pm the St Davids inshore lifeboat crew were paged to assist a kayaker in difficulties near the south end of Ramsey Island. Members of the public had seen the lone kayaker capsize and lose her paddle from the cliff path and had dialled 999 for the coastguards.

As the ILB was being put into the water a message was received that the passenger RIB 'Viking Explorer' had rescued the woman from the water and was bringing her back to the lifeboat station. The ILB then stood by until confirmation was received that there was no longer anyone in distress.

The woman was met at the lifeboat slipway by members of the crew and St Davids Coastguards and the lifeboat rehoused at about 2:40pm.

Crew: Simon Thornton, Andy Iceton and Dave Ward.

27th August 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Wednesday 27th of August at 4:45pm both St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and the inshore lifeboat commanded by helmsman William Chant, launched on service following reports of two kayakers in difficulties off Caerfai Beach. Also tasked was a coastguard team from St David's led by Station Officer Tony Pearce.
 
While on route to the incident came a message from the coastguards on scene that the two kayakers were safely ashore, and they were not in any difficulties, but in fact been enjoying themselves while kayaking. A member of the public had mistakenly thought that they were in difficulties and had called Milford Haven Coastguards, which was the correct course of action.
Both lifeboats were then released to carry out an exercise with RNLI Inspectors.
 
The incident was treated as a false alarm with good in intent.
 
Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Simon Thornton, Gareth Morris, Nicholas Phillips, Simon Twitchen plus RNLI Inspector Mark Crumb.
 
Crew ILB: William Chant, Neil Thomas plus RNLI Inspector Matt Crofts.

20th August 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Wednesday 20th of August at 10:10pm both St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and  the inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Simon Thornton launched on service to Caerfai Bay where two men were trapped approximately thirty feet up a cliff face.
 
The two men, who were brothers 20 and 19 yr olds from Cheshire, had gone fishing at approximately 1pm when they were caught out by the rising tide, they had been stuck on the cliff for several hours.  The alarm was raised by their parents, who went looking for them and discovered their predicament, they called the coastguards who dispatched a local team to the incident.
 
Both lifeboats arrived on scene and with the all-weather lifeboat illuminating the area, the inshore lifeboat proceeded into the cliff face, where the casualties were able to get down into the lifeboat. Both casualties were transferred to the all-weather lifeboat and treated by crewmembers for hypothermia and were taken back to the lifeboat station.
 
At the station they were attended to by Lifeboat Medical Advisor Dr Sara Hamilton and ambulance paramedics and were then reunited with their parents. No Hospital treatment was required and they returned to their camp with their parents.
Both lifeboats rehoused at 11:05pm.
 
Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Mike Rogers, Gillian Gray, Mathew Cox & Ffion Rees.
 
Crew ILB: Simon Thornton, Neil Thomas & Dave Ward.

19th August 2008 - ILB - Press Release

On Tuesday the 19th August at 2:20pm the St David's RNLI inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Michael Phillips launched on service to the aid of a 10ft dinghy with two persons onboard and reported to be in  diffulties near Porthclais Harbour. A member of the public had observed the dinghy and reported it to Milford Haven Coastguards who deployed both the inshore lifeboat and St David's coastguard team.
 
The lifeboat carried out a shoreline search and discovered that the casualty had managed to come ashore at Caerfai Beach. The dinghy, which had two occupants - a husband and wife who were on holidays near Solva, had left Porthclais Harbour earlier but experienced engine failure and had tried rowing to Solva Harbour.
 
The inshore lifeboat took the dinghy under tow to Solva Harbour where they were met by the coastguard team. The lifeboat then returned to station rehousing at 3:55pm.
 
Crew: Michael Phillips, Neil Thomas & Simon Thornton

16th August 2008 - ALB and ILB Launch - Press Release

On Saturday 16th of August both St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John, and the inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Michael Phillips, launched on service to assist St David's Coastguards Rescue Team and Police Officers, following reports of a man acting suspiciously at Caerfai Beach.
 
The person had been reported to have been at the foot of the cliffs and thought to have been in difficulties. The coastguard team then observed that the person had climbed the cliff face and was now on the coastal path. He was met there by police officers and members of the coastguard team and escorted back to the car park at Caerfai.
 
It was discovered that the man who was visitor, was staying at a local caravan park and was in fact intoxicated. The police and coastguards gave him some stern advice regarding his actions, and into the cost of deploying rescue services.
 
Both lifeboats then were released from their task and returned to station rehousing at 7:35pm.
 
Crew ALB: David John, Robin Copley, Ian Gray, Nicholas Phillips, William Chant, Ffion Rees & Gareth Morris.
 
Crew ILB: Michael Phillips, Mike Rogers & Simon Thornton

16th August 2008 - ALB and ILB Launch - Press Release

On Saturday 16th of August at 2:45pm both St David's RNLI All-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and the inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Michael Phillips launched on service following reports of a windsurfer in difficulties off Porth Melgan Bay.
 
The lifeboats were soon on scene where they discovered that in fact three surf skis with four persons onboard were experiencing difficulties. Two of the party managed to scale the cliff face and make their way back to Whitesands Beach while the other two persons were taken aboard the pleasure craft "Shearwater" together with two of their surf skis. The inshore lifeboat recovered the third surf ski and returned into Whitesands with the vessel "Shearwater" to be met by the St David's Coastguard Team.
 
While this was taking place the all-weather lifeboat carried out a search of the area in case there were more people in difficulties. Once everyone was accounted for both lifeboats returned to station rehousing at 3:30pm.
 
Crew ALB: David John, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copley, Mike Rogers, Padrig Rees, Ffion Rees & Gareth Morris.
 
Crew ILB: Michael Phillips, Neil Thomas & Simon Thornton.

14th August 2008 - ALB and ILB Launch - Press Release

On Thursday 14th August at 9:05pm both St David’s RNLI all-weather & inshore lifeboats launched on service to the aid of a 50yr old local man who had suffered a heart attack while kayaking off Abereiddi Bay. His fellow kayakers made a Mayday call on VHF channel 16 to Milford Haven Coastguards. Also deployed to the incident was St David’s Coastguards, RAF Rescue Helicopter, Ambulance & and a First Responder.

The man was with nine other kayakers carrying out rollover exercises when he came out of his kayak and was having trouble breathing. Members of the Kayak group brought the casualty ashore to a bay at Aber-Pwll to commence CPR. St David’s RNLI inshore lifeboat then transferred him to an awaiting ambulance and paramedics. CPR was continued throughout by RNLI lifeboat crew. The RNLI all-weather escorted nine kayakers ashore and recovered the empty kayak.

The casualty sadly did not recover despite efforts of all the units on scene. Both lifeboats returned to station and rehoused at 10:30pm.

Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, William Chant, Simon Thornton, Nicholas Phillips, Gareth Morris & John Elsby.

Crew ILB: Jestyn Martin, Neil Thomas & Mike Rogers

12th August 2008 - ALB and ILB Launch

St Davids all-weather and inshore lifeboats were diverted from the Solva Regatta at about 3:50pm on Tuesday 12th August following reports to Milford Haven Coastguard of 5 people in difficulties in the water at Whitesands Bay. The lifeboats proceeded to the scene at full speed but, before arriving at the casualties, were stood down as all 5 people had been brought ashore by members of the RNLI Lifeguards at Whitesands. The lifeboats returned to station at 1615.

5th August 2008 - ALB and ILB Launch - Press Release

On Tuesday 5th of August at 7:55pm both St David's RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats launched on service to the aid of three 16yr girls who were trapped in a gulley at the foot of the cliffs at Caerfai Bay St David's. The casualties were unable to get to safety because of the fast rising tide, the position they were in made it impossible for the local coastguard team, who were in attendance, to effect a rescue.

Once both lifeboats were on scene a quick evaluation was carried out and because of the sea conditions - heavy swell with breaking surf - it was decided to scramble a RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor in Devon. The problem the inshore lifeboat (ILB) was encounting was the possibility of going into the gulley and being washed up onto the cliff face and they also had to watch out for submerged rocks. The all-weather lifeboat (ALB) stood off while continuing to monitor the situation.

With the helicopter having to make a 45 minute flight to the incident and with the tide rising fast there was a strong possibility of the casualties being swept into the sea. The ILB crew, in consultation with the coxswain of the ALB David John, decided that one crew member enter the water and swim through the breaking surf to the casualties.

Once the crew member reached the casualties he quickly assessed their condition and decided that it would be best for the girls to swim out to the ILB one at a time with a member of the lifeboat crew. In all three members of the lifeboat crew had to enter the water and swim the girls to safety.

The three girls were transferred to the ALB and were taken back to the lifeboat station to be met by their parents, none the worse for their experience.

Coxswain David John stated "This was a first class rescue carried out by the ILB crew in difficult conditions and is a direct result of how highly trained they are by the RNLI".

Both lifeboats rehoused at 9:30pm

Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Mike Rogers, Matt Cox, Gareth Morris & Dave Ward

Crew ILB: Simon Thornton, Nicholas Phillips & Simon Twitchen

See also the following websites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGCC7_sSDkM St Davids Lifeboat Launches to Caerfai

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7544552.stm

http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/news/3573748.Crew_praised_for_swimmingly_good_rescue/

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/08/07/lifeboat-crew-swim-through-surf-to-save-trapped-girls-91466-21480160/

2nd August 2008 - ALB

Whilst on a publicity launch to escort competitors in the Round Ramsey Rowing Race the crew of the RNLB Garside all weather lifeboat were asked to assist Milford Haven Coastguard to locate an 11 year old boy reported missing from Whitesands Beach by his grandmother. After a short search the lifeboat crew located the boy, safe and well, on one of the race support boats.

27th July 2008 - ILB Launch - Press Release

On Sunday 27th of July at 8:10pm the St David's RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) under the command of helmsman Neil Thomas launched on service to join in the search for a 25yr old local man reported missing. The ILB was tasked with carrying out a shoreline search from Caerbwdi Bay to approximately half a mile to the east of Solva Harbour. Also involved in the search were the local coastguard team from St David's and Police Officers.
 
After carrying out a thorough search for over an hour and as light was fading came the message that the person had been discovered safe and well in St David's. The search was immediately terminated and the ILB returned to station and rehousing at 9:30pm.
 
Crew: Neil Thomas, Jestyn Martin & Simon Thornton

27th July 2008 - ILB Call

On Sunday 27th of July at approx 3:45pm the St Davids Inshore Lifeboat crew were paged to assist a swimmer in difficulties near Abereiddi beach. However as the boat was launching the call was cancelled as a kayaker had assisted the man - who was found to have a dislocated shoulder - to safety.

Crew: William Chant, Matthew Cox and Gareth Morris.

 
21st July 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Monday the 21st July at 6:35pm while both lifeboats were out on exercise St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John and inshore lifeboat under the command of helmsman Robin Copley were tasked by Milford Haven coastguards to investigate what appeared to be cries coming from the base of cliffs. A couple who had been walking the cliff path between the old copper mines and the lifeboat station came into the station to report what they had heard.

The coastguards immediately instigated a search involving both lifeboats and a coastguard team. Once the first informant was able to pinpoint the cave where they had heard these cries the inshore lifeboat proceeded close in, a crew member entered the water and swam into the cave where he discovered a seal. The seal gives off a cry which can easily be mistaken for a human cry, and in reporting this they had carried out the correct action.

Following this information the coastguards returned back to their base and the lifeboats continued their exercise at 7:10pm. 
This incident was treated as a false alarm with good intent.
 
Crew ALB: David John, Michael Phillips, Nicholas Phillips, Mike Rogers, William Chant, Gillian Gray & Dave Ward.
 
Crew ILB: Robin Copley, Simon Thornton & Ben Hughes

8th July 2008 - ALB - Press Release

On Tuesday 8th of July at 5:10pm St David's RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of 2nd coxswain Clive Hayes launched on service to the aid of a 30ft cabin cruiser which had run into rough seas approximately 100yds off Carreg Trai Rock The casualty "Firefly" which had left Pwllheli at 10:30 in the morning had three persons onboard Mr & Mrs M Clark and their eleven year old son from Broad Haven. The vessel was on passage to Neyland Marina.
 
They were heading towards the over falls a rough stretch of water to the north of Ramsey Island and were apprehensive about tackling the conditions as large waves were coming over the bow and did the right thing in requesting assistance of the RNLI.

The lifeboat was soon on scene and escorted them out of the rough seas into calmer waters and moored the vessel on the lifeboat emergency moorings just off the lifeboat station. The lifeboat returned to station and rehoused at 6:05pm.
 
Crew: Clive Hayes, Michael Phillips, William Chant, Padrig Rees, Gareth Morris, Ffion Rees & Dave Ward.

14th June 2008 - ALB and ILB - Press Release

On Saturday 14th of June at 4:05pm the St David's RNLI InshoreLifeboat under the command of helmsman William Chant launched on service following reports of persons in the water approximately 300yds south of Porthclais Harbour. A 15ft boat with four persons onboard mother and father aged 36yrs and their 6yrs old twin sons had been thrown into the water, as their boat had capsized.

At this point as reports were sketchy St David's RNLI All-Weather lifeboat prepared to launch and RAF Rescue Helicopter 169 from Chivenor were tasked. Dispatched to the incident was a local coastguard team, St David's First Responders and ambulances.

The coastguards soon discovered that all casualties had been rescued by a rigid inflatable craft which was close by. At this point St David's ALB and Rescue Helicopter were stood down. The casualties were checked by paramedics and given the all clear regarding their health.

Local boat owner Mr Ceri Davies towed the upturned boat back into Porthclais Harbour where St David's inshore lifeboat crew were able to right the vessel.

This incident has a happy ending due to the fact that all the casualties were wearing life jackets.

All rescue personnel returned to their stations with the inshore lifeboat rehousing at 5pm.

Crew ILB: William Chant (helmsman), Mike Rogers & Simon Twitchen

24th May 2008 - ALB and ILB - MCA Press Release

The St Davids Coastguard Rescue Team together with the RNLI All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats from St. Davids attended Whitesands Bay, St. Davids where a windsurfer was unable to get back onto his board in the strong wind conditions and was drifting southwards out of the bay.  A canoeist managed to take the windsurfer and his board in tow and took them back to the beach.  The Lifeboats located his sail and that in turn was returned to the beach. The Surfer from Cardiff was exhausted and cold but did not require medical assistance.  The canoeist, from Southampton, was thanked for his courageous efforts.

Robin Copley was in command of the ALB and Neil Thomas was helmsman of the ILB.

ALB Crew: Robin Copley, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, William Chant, Padrig Rees, Dave Ward, Simon Twitchen.

ILB Crew: Neil Thomas, Mike Rogers, Gareth Morris

12th April 2008 - ALB - Press Release

On Saturday 12th of April at 11.20am following an exercise and while rehousing, the St David's RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John launched on service following reports of a 20ft Kingfisher fishing vessel with one person on board in difficulties with a fouled propeller.
 
The fishing vessel "Onward" from Porthgain was in a position between Abercastle and Porthgain harbour. Shortly after the lifeboat had launched came the message that the fisherman had managed to untangle his propeller and he did not require any assistance. The lifeboat then proceeded back to the station rehousing at 11.40am
 
Crew: David John, Michael Phillips, Jestyn Martin, Nicholas Phillips, Huw Thornton, Gareth Morris and Dave Ward.

6th March 2008 - ALB - Press Release

Western Belle 6th and 7th March 2008

On Thursday 6th of March 2008 at 11:35pm the St David’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John launched on service into a gale force 8 to the aid of a 80ft (111 tonne) fishing vessel “Western Belle” which was in a position approximately 9 miles south west of the Smalls Lighthouse. The casualty had suffered total engine and power failure and was in serious danger due to the atrocious sea conditions and it was in the separation zone - this is a busy shipping lane.

The lifeboat made best speed to the incident but again due to conditions her speed was hampered and it took two and a half hours to reach the casualty. Once along side the crew experienced some difficulty in attaching a tow line and eventually managed to get under way with the casualty in tow.

The lifeboat made for Milford Docks, during the trip the towline snapped twice due to the strain and sea conditions especially off St Anne’s Head where they ran into very rough seas. They eventually made it to the safety of Milford haven Docks where the casualty was moored up.

The lifeboat then proceeded back to the lifeboat station rehousing at 1:40pm a full 14 hours from the initial call.

Subsequently it has been discovered that two lifeboat crew members sustained injury during the rescue - one has two broken ribs and another bruised ribs and a minor head injury. These injuries were sustained as the lifeboat carried out the rescue in rough seas with 4-5metre swells breaking over the lifeboat's deck.

Crew: David John, Clive Hayes, Jestyn Martin, Robin Copley, Ian Gray, Andy Iceton & Padrig Rees.

14th February 2008 - ALB - Press Release

On Thursday 14th February 2008 at 2:05pm the St David’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat under the command of coxswain David John launched on service after Milford Haven Coastguards had received a distress signal which had been activated by an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

The lifeboat carried out a thorough search from Ramsey Island across St Brides Bay to Skomer and Grassholm Islands. After approximately one hour the lifeboat was joined in the search by a helicopter from RAF Chivenor (Rescue 169). The helicopter because of it’s height advantage was able to pin point the signal coming from a man holding a personnel distress beacon on a jetty in Milford Haven Waterway.

With everybody safe and well the lifeboat returned to station rehousing at 4:55pm.

Crew: David John, Michael Phillips, Ian Gray, Roland Bateman, Nicholas Phillips, Mike Rogers and Dave Ward.

31st January 2008 - ILB - Press Release

On Thursday 31st January at 10.10am the St David's RNLI Inshore Lifeboat under the command of helmsman Nicholas Phillips launched on service to the aid of a boat owner who was having difficulties in securing his boat to a mooring buoy at St Justinians.
 
Initially the boat owner had climbed down the cliff to recover his boat which had broken away from it's moorings. He managed to get on board and start the engine but because of the weather conditions he was running into difficulties. RNLI personnel at the lifeboat station monitored the situation and arranged the launching of the inshore lifeboat to assist him and then bring him ashore safely. The inshore lifeboat rehoused at 10.25am.

Mr Jeff Davies St David's Lifeboat Operations Manager stated "The crew of the inshore lifeboat are to be commended for their professionalism in this service due to the atrocious sea conditions".
 
Crew: Nicholas Phillips, Mike Rogers, Dave Ward.