Capsized racer saved after smoke flare is seen
04/09/2020
A capsized racer was saved in Wales after deploying an orange smoke flare.
The competitor was taking part in the 17km Fishguard Bay Ocean Race from Goodwick to Newport Sands for single-ski stand up paddleboards and prone boards on 22 August.
But in Force 5-6 winds, he capsized and could not remount. He set off the smoke flare, which was seen by someone on Goodwick who called the coastguard, reports Fishguard and Goodwick RNLI Facebook’s page.
Fishguard RNLI lifeboats – the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat – launched to the racer’s estimated position one mile east-north-east of the end of the Fishguard harbour northern breakwater.
Once located, the racer and his board were taken on board the all-weather lifeboat, Trent.
However, reports came in from the race safety boat that another racer was missing and Newquay RNLI was asked to help.
Both Fishguard lifeboats searched the race course, but it was later established that all competitors were safe.
The image is from the Facebook page.
