A DRAMATIC rescue in the Bristol Channel yesterday (Monday, April 18) meant that Barry Dock RNLI crew were involves with three emergencies in one week.

Volunteer crew were tasked to a yacht sailing close to Steep Holm around 12pm when the skipper of a yacht was reported injured and in need of medical attention.

His quick thinking crew mate prevented further injury and complications.

Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat crewmen John McAllister and Ian Watts went aboard the yacht to give immediate medical assistance and the lifeboat escorted the yacht to Cardiff Bay where the ambulance service and Penarth Coastguard gave further help.

The Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 187 attended, but after discussions with the lifeboat crew, stood down and returned to base at St Athan.

Deputy coxswain Chris Osbourne, who led the rescue, said: “Even the most experienced and well equipped sailors can need our assistance from time to time. If you would like a free sea safety check before you go out on the water, contact us at www.RNLI.org and we will be happy to help.’

The week’s first emergency took place on Thursday, April 14 when the lifeboat was called to search the Barry coast after red distress flares were spotted shortly before 8.30pm.

Crew used sight and night vision aids along with its sophisticated radar to carry out the search. A boat in the area was contacted for information and Barry Coastguard contacted the Port Security and person who dialled 999 to alert the emergency services about the flares.

Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 187 joined the search, but after a substantial search of the area it appeared most likely that the flares had been set off from land and so the search was called off.

The second shout of the week took place on Saturday, April 16 at 6pm.

A yacht had run aground on a sandbank in the middle of the Bristol Channel ,off Newport, and needed assistance.

Barry Dock Lifeboat launched and requested assistance from the RNLI lifeboat from Portishead as their smaller boat was better placed to get close to the casualty.

They made the yacht safe and ready to be re-floated on the incoming tide.