Flint RNLI tasked to investigate drifting boat near castle

Flint RNLI was called into action earlier today, Wednesday, 30th August by HM Coastguard, following reports of a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) drifting in the area of Flint Castle.

The call came in at 11.00 am, responding promptly, Flint RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboat on the high tide at Flint and proceeded to the location where the initial informant had attached a line to the vessel from the shore to prevent it from drifting further.

An anchor was also deployed. A subsequent search of the area was conducted to ensure no one was in difficulty.

However, further information received from HM Coastguard confirmed that the vessel had simply become detached from its mooring and that the owner would arrange for recovery. Consequently, the lifeboat was stood down.

While en route to Greenfield for recovery, the lifeboat was tasked again to investigate another vessel, a 25-foot yacht drifting in the area of Heswall.

Despite making its way towards the location, the ebbing tide made access difficult.

A further update from HM Coastguard suggested that the yacht was still secured on a mooring, so the lifeboat was stood down and returned to Greenfield for recovery.

Nathan Parry, Helm of Flint RNLI, said: ‘Thankfully, no one was in danger on this particular occasion, and the first informant did the right thing by contacting the Coastguard.”

“If you are in trouble or see someone else in difficulty on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard”

The events of the day serve as a reminder of the importance of securely mooring vessels and the vital role of the RNLI and Coastguard in ensuring the safety of those at sea.