Flint RNLI tasked to two incidents during storm Ashley

Whilst preparing to recover from a morning training exercise on Sunday 20th October, Flint RNLI was tasked with two separate incidents aiding three people.

When preparing to return to Greenfield Dock for recovery after conducting a training exercise Flint RNLI was alerted by HM Coastguard at 1:15pm that they had received a Mayday from two persons on board a yacht that had suffered engine and rigging failure, drifting half a mile off Llannerch y Mor. The Lifeboat with a newly appointed Helm in command of her first tasking along with two crew members made best speed towards the casualty's location. Conditions on scene were challenging due to increasing winds and strong tidal conditions but the two casualties onboard the yacht were quickly located and taken on board the lifeboat and checked over by casualty care trained volunteer crew members before returning to Greenfield Dock for further assessment and shelter from the weather.

As the casualties were taken ashore at Greenfield Dock a further taking was received from HM Coastguard of a fisherman knee-deep in water cut off by the tide at Connah’s Quay due to a large tidal surge. The lifeboat transited from Greenfield Dock to Connahs Quay navigating increasing winds and challenging seas to the casualty's position. Once on scene, the casualty confirmed that he was otherwise ok and was aided by two crew members to the shore where he was handed over to the care of Flint Coastguard Rescue Team. The volunteer crew recovered the lifeboat at Connah’s Quay Dock and returned to station by road to be refuelled, washed down and made ready for service.

Bill Dewsbury, Flint RNLI Launch Authority said:

“The casualties involved in the incidents took the correct actions when they found themselves in difficulty, they all had a means for calling for help through VHF and a mobile phone that enabled them to alert the coastguard for assistance”

Flint RNLI will be holding their annual Firework display at Flint Castle on Friday 1 November

Flint RNLI lifeboat station was established in 1966.

To learn more about the lifeboat station go to:

http://www.rnli.org.uk/flint

Since 2018 Flint RNLI have launched 79 times, saving three lives and aided a further 19 people.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives.

Photo Credit: Flint RNLI