A broken down yacht marks 1000th launch for RNLI deputy coxswain
On Thursday (September 4) at 8pm, volunteers from The Mumbles RNLI were out training on exercise when a call came in reporting a broken-down yacht with a lone sailor on board, beside the diffusers buoy off Port Talbot.
The call was the 1000th launch for Deputy Coxswain James Bolter and the station’s 80th service of the year. Every one of those 80 calls has been answered by volunteers who drop everything when the pager sounds. The Mumbles all-weather lifeboat was in the area when HM Coastguard tasked the crew to assist.
On arrival, the yacht was being battered by swell. After an assessment, the decision was made that the safest option would be to take the vessel under tow, as it was drifting dangerously with concerns for the welfare of the lone sailor.
It was decided to transfer a crew member to help with the operation. Fortunately, Port Talbot's inshore lifeboat was able to assist with the transfer of an all-weather lifeboat crew member onto the yacht.
Once the lifeboat crew member was onboard the casualty vessel and the heaving line thrown, a tow was established and the yacht was underway.
In choppy conditions, and with low water, it would have been difficult to take the vessel up the shallow River Tawe into Swansea Marina. Therefore, a decision was made to tow the yacht to Mumbles moorings where it could safely deploy its anchor, giving the sailor the chance to rest and begin carrying out repairs.
Mumbles inshore lifeboat (ILB) took over the tow at the SWIGG buoy, taking the yacht into the moorings and helping deploy its anchor.
As the vessel had lost all power, the alarm was raised without using VHF radio. Carrying a VHF set can often make it easier to reach the Coastguard quickly, and it is always useful to have a secondary means of calling for help such as a mobile phone.
This service marked the 1000th launch for Mumbles Deputy Coxswain, James Bolter, a significant milestone in his years of dedication to the RNLI and the safety of those at sea.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Tim Conway said:
'A thousand launches is an incredible achievement and a testament to James’ commitment to saving lives at sea. He has given countless hours to training, exercising, and turning out in all weathers. The whole station is proud of him reaching this milestone.'
The Mumbles lifeboat returned home at 11pm, was refuelled and made ready for service by the volunteer crew.
RNLI media contact
For more information please contact The Mumbles Lifeboat Press Officer, Adam Gilbert: [email protected] or 07717 793890.
Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager: [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected].
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The RNLI is the charity that 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 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 146,700 lives.
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