Fishguard RNLI fundraiser ends with lifeboat launch
The fundraising event had just drawn to a close when crew were tasked to assist in a search for a vulnerable missing person.
Fishguard RNLI volunteer fundraising branch had been hosting a MAYDAY Picnic fundraiser in aid of the RNLI MAYDAY campaign, this saw families enjoying an afternoon of food and live entertainment when at 4.07pm, just as the event had finished the crew received a request from HM Coastguard to launch both the charity's Trent class all-weather lifeboat Blue Peter VII and D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) Edward Arthur Richardson to assist Coastguard teams and police in the search for a missing twelve year old child.
The child had last been seen on rocks at Cwm-Yr-Eglwys and there were concerns they may have entered the water. The lifeboats were tasked with conducting a shoreline search from Dinas Head around to Aberfforest. Lifeboats made best speed to the area, and had not long begun their search when information was received that the child had been located safe by police and lifeboats were stood down.
This was the second launch this week for the volunteer crew when on Wednesday 28 May the ILB was launched to assist with a police incident.
Having recently qualified as ILB helms, these were the first shouts for Bryn Smith and Florian Caroff respectively in command of the ILB.
Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer and crew member at Fishguard RNLI, Cedwyn Rogers said:
‘A service launch coming at the end of a fundraising event is a poignant reminder of the dedication of our fundraising and sea-going volunteers and the generosity of our supporters. Without that support, the service could not exist.’
‘Both launches resulted in a positive outcome, and both new helms achieved an important milestone by commanding their first service launch.’
‘Whilst Saturday’s launch thankfully resulted in the child being found safe on shore, we would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of our easy to remember advice for adults and children should they find themselves in difficulty in the water.
“Float to Live”
1. Relax and try to breath normally
2. Tilt your head back with ears submerged
3. Move your hands and legs to stay afloat
4. It’s okay if your legs sink, we all float differently’