LIFE JACKET WARNING FROM SWANSEA COASTGUARD

Crew from a grounded sailing yacht were taken ashore by lifeboats this afternoon in Cardiff Bay.

At 4.20pm Swansea Coastguard received a report that a grounded yacht with ten people on board was in difficulty on the Wrach Channel in Cardiff Bay. 

The 34 foot sailing yacht had gone aground on it’s passage through the Wrach Channel to the Locks.  There were three children on board and seven adults.  Penarth RNLI inshore lifeboats were able to take four of the passengers ashore before the vessel was later refloated. 

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager David Jones said,

“There was concern for the safety of those on board the grounded yacht and there were not enough life jackets.  It is vital that when going afloat you carry enough life jackets for everyone on board and make sure that your crew know what to do in an emergency.”



-Ends-
 Notes to Editors

1.      Carrying a VHF radio on your vessel is vital and VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) is strongly recommended. Ensure your radio equipment is fully working and you know what to do in an emergency. With DSC you can send a distress alert along with your exact position, with one touch of the button. The distress alert  is repeated every four minutes until it is acknowledged either by a Coastguard Station (Ship to Shore) or by a vessel (Ship to Ship) within radio range.
  1. Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers are programmed into a DSC radio set and an MMSI is issued as part of your radio licence application, via Ofcom. It consists of a series of nine digits, which are used to uniquely identify the radio on your vessel.

  1. The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities.  Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

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