A PERSON has been rescued after spending more than four hours in the water clinging to a cool box following a major multi-agency search off the Gwynedd coast.
Both of Criccieth RNLI's lifeboats were launched at 3pm on Thursday, July 2, after reports of an overdue rigid inflatable boat (RIB) which had departed from Porthmadog.
As volunteer crew responded, an off-duty Criccieth RNLI crew member working for Gwynedd Council’s Maritime Department reported finding the overturned vessel on a sandbank near Porthmadog.
This significantly changed the nature of the incident, with immediate concerns for the missing occupant.
A statement from RNLI Criccieth Lifeboat said: "Criccieth RNLI’s inshore rescue boat, Margaret a Nantw, began an extensive search of the Porthmadog Estuary, while the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Frank Townley, searched the nearby coastline and inshore waters.
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"The search involved a significant multi-agency response coordinated by HM Coastguard, involving the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter together with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Criccieth Coastguard Rescue Team and Barmouth Coastguard Rescue, alongside the volunteer crews from Criccieth RNLI.
"Barmouth Lifeboat's all-weather lifeboat was also launched to the incident, while another local vessel joined the search.
"Following an extensive search, the casualty was located on Harlech Beach. It is believed they had been in the water for more than four hours after the ebbing tide carried them from the estuary while they managed to stay afloat by clinging to a cool box.
"The casualty was suffering severe effects of cold-water immersion and was taken aboard the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter before being transferred directly to hospital for further treatment."
Chris Fisher, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Criccieth RNLI, said: “This was a challenging and constantly evolving incident that required a significant multi-agency response. The teamwork between our volunteer lifeboat crews, HM Coastguard Rescue Teams, the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter and everyone involved was outstanding throughout.
"The outcome also serves as a powerful reminder of just how unforgiving the sea can be. We would urge everyone going afloat to wear a suitable lifejacket, always use the engine kill cord where fitted, carry a reliable means of communication such as a VHF radio or fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and let someone ashore know your plans before setting off.
"Those simple precautions can make all the difference in an emergency.”
The station thanked everyone involved in bringing the incident to a successful conclusion.
Despite returning from a lengthy and physically demanding service call, Criccieth RNLI’s volunteer crew later mustered once again to launch both lifeboats for their scheduled weekly training exercise.
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