Flares play a key part in three UK rescues involving children
18/08/2022
In a nighttime rescue of two adults, two young children and their dog on a disabled sailing boat at Fowey, RNLI crew used parachute flares to light the area.
Fowey all-weather lifeboat was launched at the request of the Coastguard to assist an 18ft sailing boat one mile south of the Dodman.
Parachute flare helps rescuers spot disabled boat
On arrival, and assisted by Mevagissey Coastguard, the crew launched three parachute flares. A woman on board the stricken boat, which suffered engine failure on the way to Penzance, saw the flares and directed the rescuers to them.
The family and dog were transferred to the lifeboat and the disabled boat was towed back to Fowey.
St Austell coastguard met the boat back in Fowey and the family was taken to the lifeboat station. The image is credit of Fowey RNLI.
Illuminating flares used in nighttime search for teenagers
The second search involved three teenagers missing off the coast at Southend.
HM Coastguard Southend officers coordinated a nighttime search on the mudflats where the youths were reported to have been seen. RNLI Southend Lifeboat hovercraft assisted and used illuminating flares.
One teen was spotted coming ashore east of the reported location and the other two were found to the west. No medical help was required.
Six children in danger of drowning saved after red flare spotted
The final incident was at Moelfre, Wales. Six children on paddleboards were rescued after being in grave danger of drowning, according to the RNLI.
One afternoon, RNLI Moelfre was asked by H.M.Coastguard to launch the all-weather lifeboat Kiwi. This followed reports that six children on two paddleboards were being blown offshore at Traeth Lligwy.
Members of the public who noticed the children in distress used their own red flares to signal for help.
While the lifeboat was on the route, a dinghy sailor saw the danger and went to the aid of the children. They were between nine and 12 years old.
The four younger children were taken onboard the dinghy. There was no room for the two eldest children, who remained on the paddleboards.
When the lifeboat arrived, the six children were rescued. Medical checks were carried out and a paramedic was asked to attend the boathouse.
RNLI Second Coxswain Martin Jones (Bonty) says, “Without the actions of the dinghy owner and swift response of the lifeboat crew, this shout could have had tragic consequences. The children were undoubtedly in grave danger of drowning, so I gave the mothers a very stern talking when they arrived at the boathouse. I reminded them that a responsible adult should always supervise the children, especially when going into the sea; also, I told them the importance of wearing lifejackets, saying they were left at home simply isn’t good enough.”
Moelfre Coastguard says, “The danger the children were in was substantial, something the parents had not realised.” The families have thanked the rescuers.
