Double first shout for two Fishguard RNLI volunteers

Two Fishguard RNLI volunteers experienced their first service launch as small motor vessel lost propulsion

Crew were paged at 2.35pm on Saturday 1 February with the request from HM Coastguard to launch the charity's D class inshore lifeboat Edward Arthur Richardson. The tasking was to assist a small rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which was experiencing loss of propulsion being pushed towards the North breakwater by the prevailing winds.

With the casualty vessel visible within a few hundred metres from the station the volunteer crew launched and were almost immediately alongside the vessel. A risk assessment was made, and it was determined the safest course of action would be to tow the vessel to shore, removing the casualties to safety and preventing the vessel itself from becoming a hazard to other vessels in the port, including the all-weather lifeboat. An alongside tow was established and vessel assisted into the pen adjacent to the lifeboat station.

Whilst it was one of the shortest launches for Fishguard RNLI it allowed two station volunteers to get the experience of their first service launch.

Cathy who joined the crew last year and passed out as a Launch Authority, while having already completed some uneventful periods on duty, this time experienced her first tasking request for a launch.

Launch authorities are the first point of contact for HM Coastguard when a lifeboat is requested, and will authorise the launch, brief the helm or coxswain on the situation and will gather information to provide a report back to RNLI Headquarters in Poole.

It was also the first service launch for trainee inshore lifeboat crew member Rhodri who also joined last year, and on completion of training requirements to be safe to go on service was issued with his pager, and has been waiting for that first shout.

Only a few hours before, Rhodri, amongst other volunteers had been out training, practicing the skills which would be put to use for real later that day.

Fishguard RNLI volunteer trainee inshore lifeboat crew member Rhodri Pugh-Dungey, said:

‘Having your pager go off for the first time definitely gets the adrenaline flowing as you have no idea what you are going to be faced with. Thankfully, all of the training provided by the RNLI had thoroughly prepared me for the situation we encountered. Fortunately we were able to assist the casualty vessel and both crew members, bringing them back to safety.

The crew on-board were experienced and had the correct equipment including lifejackets and had a handheld VHF to request assistance.

I would highly recommend that other members of the community reach out to the station if they wish to volunteer, providing a service to the public is a very rewarding feeling.’

04 Feb 2025