### Lifeboat Crews Experience Intense Week of Rescues Along Welsh Coast
Lifeboat teams stationed in New Quay have faced a particularly demanding week, answering multiple emergency calls and mounting an array of rescue missions along the Ceredigion coast. The latest reports from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) detail four separate launchings over a six-day period, illustrating both the relentless demands on volunteer crews and the vital role they play in local sea safety.
The first incident occurred on the evening of Friday, 23rd May, when New Quay RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Roy Barker V, and Cardigan’s RNLI unit were dispatched to assist a sailor in distress, approximately three miles north of Cardigan Island. Upon arrival, Cardigan’s crew had already put a member aboard the stricken 33-foot yacht and initiated towing operations. Ultimately, New Quay’s crew placed one of their own members on board and completed the rescue, safely securing the yacht in New Quay harbour before returning to station by 10.30pm.
Reflecting on the response, New Quay RNLI coxswain Daniel Potter recounted: “After assessing the situation, we decided it would be safest to tow the yacht to New Quay, the nearest port. Having a crew member on board provided reassurance to the sailor in need.” This collaborative approach ensured the sailor’s safety and minimised risks associated with further mechanical failure or worsening conditions at sea.
The following afternoon, on Saturday 24th May, concerns were raised for two kayakers believed to be facing difficulties between Aberporth and Llangrannog. Both New Quay lifeboats were promptly launched, initiating a shoreline search from New Quay towards Aberporth. However, after reaching the Cwmtydu area, news arrived that the kayakers were in fact safe and had made their way to New Quay unaided. The mission was subsequently stood down, highlighting the necessity for vigilance but also the relief when presumed emergencies resolve safely.
The pace did not slacken for crews. On Sunday, 25th May, after engaging with the public during an open day event, New Quay’s inshore lifeboat was called to investigate a drifting paddleboard in New Quay harbour at 9.40pm. Helm Simon Rigby explained that, following reports from a member of the public, the crew recovered the paddleboard after determining—thanks to both a swift search and conversations with bystanders on the adjacent beach—that no one was missing or in need of help. The incident, likely caused by the high tide washing the board out, concluded with the board’s retrieval and safe storage.
Rescue efforts extended into the early hours on Wednesday, 28th May, when both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats were dispatched at 1.40am to respond to a digital distress call from a yacht that had run aground in New Quay’s bay. In challenging surf conditions, the lifeboats provided support lighting and safety cover while HM Coastguard oversaw the vessel’s evacuation. Once it was confirmed that those aboard were in no danger and had reached the shore safely, the lifeboats stood down, concluding the operation by 3.40am. Crews finally returned home after cleaning down the equipment—remarkable commitment, particularly so deep into the night.
Huw Williams, another of New Quay RNLI’s coxswains, reflected on the series of events: “This week has certainly tested our readiness and dedication, with six launches in just a few days’ time. We encourage anyone encountering difficulties at the coast to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard immediately.”
Recurring incidents such as these serve to emphasise the unpredictability and potential hazards of the Welsh coastline, especially with the area’s growing popularity among sailors, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Clear communication, public awareness, and the presence of well-drilled rescue teams are, as this week demonstrated, often the difference between drama and disaster.
Such an intense period of activity for New Quay lifeboat crews also underlines the ongoing need for community support and funding, as these volunteers continue to brave all conditions to ensure the coastline remains as safe as possible for both locals and visitors.
In closing, the RNLI once more reminds everyone: in the event of a maritime emergency or concern for someone’s safety at sea, do not hesitate—call 999 and request immediate support from the coastguard.