Fishguard RNLI lifeboat crews raced into action during the early hours of the morning to save four individuals from a 24m guard vessel stranded during a stormy night.

On Thursday, December 11 at approximately 3.30am, Fishguard RNLI’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched to a 24m guard vessel that had become aground near Aber Hywel, off the coast of Pembrokeshire.

After a direct page to launch from HM Coastguard at 3.30am, the volunteer crew arrived at the station and the all-weather lifeboat was launched. With a choppy sea state and a southerly force 7 wind, the lifeboat was soon on scene.

Fishguard RNLI Coxswain, Gemma Gill, said: “Due to the casualty vessel’s close proximity to the cliffs and underwater obstructions between us, we were unable to get close enough in the all-weather lifeboat to safely do a transfer of the four people onboard. At this point I requested the launch of our inshore lifeboat and we also knew the Coastguard helicopter had been scrambled.”

The inshore lifeboat was launched and soon on scene, with a decision made to deploy its anchor and veer down to the stern of the aground vessel.

Crew Member Cedwyn Rogers said: “The plan was, the four people would climb down their rope ladder into their liferaft – which was alongside the casualty vessel. Then transfer from the liferaft over to the inshore lifeboat.”

The first two casualties successfully transferred into the lifeboat, but the third person fell from the ladder and into the choppy dark water.

Cedwyn continued: “When there is a person in the water you become hyper focused and your training really kicks in. We threw a throw bag to them, but they were unable to catch it and began to be swept further away.

“With the quick decision making of experienced Helm Warren Bean, who has over 30 years of volunteering for the RNLI, Warren managed to effectively manoeuvre the lifeboat alongside the drifting casualty. They were then secured by fellow Crew Member Huw and between us – we were able to haul them into the lifeboat to safety.

“Thankfully all four casualties were wearing their lifejackets and appropriate safety equipment – something that can make all the difference in these crucial moments.”

The inshore lifeboat crew then went back to get the final person to be rescued and got him onboard successfully. A decision was made to cut the anchor line of the lifeboat, so they could get out and away from the rocks as quickly and safely as possible.

With the all-weather lifeboat standing by, the four people were transferred over to receive further casualty care assessments and benefit from the shelter of the wheelhouse for the journey back to the lifeboat station. The lifeboats were back on station by approximately 5.25am.

Gemma added: “This rescue in the early hours of the morning, in poor weather and darkness, shows our volunteer crew are ready to respond whenever the call for help comes in. I’m proud of the efficient and effective teamwork shown by everyone, with the successful rescue of four people. These four people will now get the chance to spend Christmas with their families.”

Fishguard RNLI lifeboat crew will have their pagers on over Christmas and New Year. Like RNLI crews around the coast of the UK and Ireland, they are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.

Figures show RNLI lifeboats launched more than 100 times during the Christmas period last year.

These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the donations which help to fund the essential kit and training needed to keep them prepared and equipped to save lives.

The RNLI has launched a Christmas Appeal, to enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work into next year and beyond. To donate, go online to RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.