Flint RNLI rescue three people during Storm Ashley incidents

Whilst preparing to recover from a morning training exercise on Sunday, Flint RNLI was tasked with two separate incidents.

Weather conditions were tough as a result of Storm Ashley, with strong winds making conditions at sea "challenging". 

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.

The RNLI said 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.

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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”