Tenby RNLI lifeboat crew members have been recognised for saving lives in two daring sea rescues.

On the evening of September 16 the crew gathered at the station for the presentation of commendations from the CEO to the crew members involved in the rescue of three men from the water after their boat capsized and sank off St Govans last August, which resulted in three lives saved and also for the rescue of a lone yachtsman who was thrown into the water unconscious when his yacht exploded last May.

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the all-weather lifeboat was tasked under the command of Deputy Coxswain Dan Young to assist in a search after a Personal Locater Beacon was activated.

With Angle lifeboat already searching the Milford Haven waterway, Tenby lifeboat was requested to assist Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 in a search off St Govans.

The helicopter soon located the upturned hull of a vessel, with three persons in the water close by and conned the lifeboat on to the position.

Two crew members immediately entered the water to assist with the extraction of the casualties, only one of which was wearing a lifejacket, with the others clinging to a petrol tank.

As one of the casualties was brought aboard, it was noticed that he’d become unresponsive and had gone into cardiac arrest, so crew members Rob James, Ieuan Williams and Will Horton immediately began CPR.

Within minutes, the helicopter paramedic was lowered aboard the lifeboat and was assisted in getting the casualty onto a stretcher and airlifted for his flight to hospital.

The other two casualties, who were just extremely cold after their ordeal, were then taken to Milford Haven, where they were met by Paramedics.

After several weeks in intensive care and then many more undergoing further treatment, the casualty airlifted to hospital was released and allowed to go home. Earlier this year he visited the station to meet and say thanks to the crew that saved his life.

Presenting the awards on behalf of the CEO was Aled Williams (RNLI Coastal Training Lead), and they were presented to: Dan Young (Duty Coxswain); Will Horton (Mechanic); Rob James (Navigator); Nolan Rees (Crew); Ieuan Williams (Crew); Stephen Lowe (Crew); Lisa-Marie Viggers (Crew).

The second set of awards was for the rescue of a lone yachtsman who was pulled from the water on May 25, 2024 after the lifeboat was launched following reports of smoke offshore.

The volunteer crew soon spotted a burning yacht some 12 miles south of Caldey Island and made best speed towards it.

As the crew were arriving on scene, they spotted a person going under water and crew member Rob James entered the water to keep him afloat until he could be brought onboard.

Once aboard, Chris Thomas provided casualty care, by administering oxygen, whilst deputy Coxswain Dan Young made best speed back towards Tenby, where an ambulance was waiting with Paramedics ready to take over the care.

Commended for this rescue were: Dan Young; Rob James and Chris Thomas.