LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Four lifeboats evacuate hundreds from severe flooding Inshore lifeboats on the North Wales coast were once again called in to help with relief work when floods hit the Llandudno area on 10 and 11 June 1993.

D class lifeboats and lifeboatmen from Conwy, Llandudno, Rhyl and Flint were involved, with some making long journeys by road. Although quite severely flooded Llandudno's boathouse became the local Coastguard operation's centre, as it still had an operational VHP radio, telephone and heating - which was more than could be said for the Coastguard's building nearby.

All four stations have received letters from the chief of operations thanking them and commending them for their toils.

Conwy's D class was towed to the flooded area at 1845 and evacuated numerous people, returning for essential medication and to check the still-live electric sub-stations before being stood down at 0200.

Llandudno's ILB was in the thick of the flooded area and boat and crew were able to help some 180 people to safety in what are recorded as three separate 'launches' at 1930 on 10 June (until 0130), and 0725 (until 1700) and 1730 (until 1945) on 11 June. The honorary secretary also added that four budgies, two canaries and two cats should be included in the list.

Rhyl ILB was alerted at 1945 and was towed to the stricken area behind the station mechanic's car. Boat and crew worked alongside the other lifeboats and rescueservices until being stood down at 2300.

Flint's lifeboat was underway at 2140, making the 40 mile passage to Llandudno by road behind the station's LandRover.

Boat, vehicle and crew were used to ferry people from the water to places of safety and they were eventually stood down at 0120 on 11 June..