Divers return to Pembrokeshire to thank RNLI rescuers

Members of the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Sub-Aqua Club have presented the RNLI charity with a £100 donation, to thank them for coming to their rescue off Broad Haven last month.

The diving club’s rib suffered an engine failure in poor weather conditions. Club members who had remained on the beach realised there was a problem and notified RNLI lifeguard Celyn Owens.

The lifeguard approached the boat on his rescue board to assess the situation and Milford Haven Coastguard requested the launch of the Little and Broad Haven inshore RNLI lifeboat. All four passengers and diving equipment were recovered and the boat was towed safely in. .

Andy Grey, Little and Broad Haven RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager says:

‘This rescue was an absolute success and both the boat and passengers were returned to dry land. As a charity, we rely solely on donations so we are both incredibly touched and grateful when a rescued party thanks us in this way.’

Phil Dewhurst, Secretary of Pontypridd and Llantrisant Sub-Aqua Club, adds:

‘We wanted to express our thanks to the RNLI and felt a charitable donation was the most appropriate way. We were most impressed with both the action of the RNLI lifeguards and the speed of response and professional manager in which the rescue was carried out by the team operating the RNLI lifeboat.’

Pembrokeshire County Council currently funds the lifeguards, while the extensive training and equipment needed is provided by the RNLI. It costs the charity an average of £1,000 each year to train and equip each lifeguard.

Photograph: RNLI Lifeguards Ben Ablitt, Celyn Owens, sub-aqua club members Paul Markwell and Phil Dewhurst and RNLI Little and Broad Haven inshore lifeboat Anna Mullarky, Mike Higgins and Crispin Williamson.