ON WEDNESDAY (Feb 16) both New Quay RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats launched on service in response to a report of a person in the water at Aberaeron beach during Storm Dudley.
In a strong south westerly wind New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, Audrey LJ launched first at 10.44am with three volunteer crew members on boards. They were tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard to search for a person in the water off the South Beach in Aberaeron.
Following the inshore lifeboat’s launch, the all-weather lifeboat, the Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge took to the stormy seas with seven crew members on board.
The HM Coastguard also requested the assistance of the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and the search and rescue teams from both New Quay and Aberystwyth.
Simon Rigby, New Quay RNLI’s helm said, “We arrived on scene in Aberaeron and began our search. We were informed that the person in the water could be seen drifting in a northerly direction.
“After we began searching we spotted an object in the water which initially looked like a person with a kayak or paddleboard. As we approached it became apparent that the object was a tree. We spoke to the Coastguard teams on land with the first informant and they confirmed this is what they had seen. We informed the Coastguard and we were stood down and returned to station.”
Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager added, “This was a false alarm with good intent. If it had have been a person in the water it would have been critical to get there as fast as possible. The first informant did the right thing contacting the Coastguard. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
“Remember if you get into danger in the water, relax and float to give yourself time to recover before swimming to safety or calling for help. If you see someone else in danger, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
