October 30, 2023 - 510 views
Llandudno's inshore lifeboat Doctor Barabara Saunderson was scrambled by HM Holyhead Coastguard earlier this morning (Monday 30 October).
The volunteer crew of three were asked to search and locate a swimmer in peril who had been seen by a member of public clinging to Llandudno Pier.
The experienced swimmer had unfortunately suffered leg cramps and was being pushed away from the safety of shore due to the prevailing offshore winds.
The lifeboat made exceptionally good time to reach the casualty as quickly as possible. The crew were then able to make a recovery from the water before returning the male casualty to the lifeboat station where he was given the opportunity to recover from his ordeal.
Station Mechanic and Helm of the inshore lifeboat, Luke Heritage said: "This really was a time critical rescue, we were able to locate the casualty by seeing the small crowd of people that had gathered on the pier and were pointing to the location.
"We could just see the orange swimming float that he had with him. When we approached, the casualty was holding on to the struts underneath the pier, managing to keep his head just above the water in the swell that had built up."
