Eleven lifeboats in biggest ever Cardigan Bay searchCrew from nine lifeboat stations were united in a search for a missing power boat at Cardigan Bay. The Coastguard coordinated an extensive search involving 11 lifeboats, a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor and four Coastguard rescue teamsFifty lifeboatmen and women looked for the 5.5m power boat, Teymar, and her crew of two on a shout that spanned 19 and 20 July 2003. Teymar was last seen leaving New Quay at 11am and when there was still no sign of her by 7.30pm, the Harbour Master reported the vessel missing, prompting the wide-scale search.

The operation was coordinated by Milford Haven Coastguard. Four lifeboats from New Quay and Cardigan were the first to launch. It was to be a long night for one of them, the New Quay Mersey class lifeboat Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge, Coxswain Dan Potter and crew were out for over 12 hours.

The sea state was moderate with force winds throughout the search, and rain made visibility poor. The conditions hampered radar effectiveness during the search and as darkness fell, there was no sign of Teymar.

Just before midnight, Aberystwyth's Atlantic 75 Enid Mary commenced a challenging 4V? hour search and Barmouth's Mersey class Moira Barry joined in at 12.30am the following day.

By daybreak 11 lifeboats had been involved in the hunt for Teymar. The search area was recalculated and expanded because of overnight southerly winds. The crews that had been out for hours were feeling the strain. Keith Allday, Coxswain at Barmouth recalls: 'It was a fairly difficult service ... due to maintaining a high level of awareness over a long period and dealing with fatigue.' The lifeboatmen had to stay alert to maintain a sharp lookout. Morale had to be kept up on board the lifeboats. It was Oily Downing's first night service on Barmouth lifeboat: 'Lots of good humour kept us going on a long shout.'At one point, Mechanic Clyn Sowes helped lighten the mood bycheekily asking Holyhead Coastguard for a steak dinner on their return! It was Barmouth lifeboat that finally spotted the cabin cruiser at 7am drifting 9 miles off Aberystwyth, over 17 miles from New Quay. As the lifeboat neared Teymar they feared for the couple as no-one could be seen. They got to within 10m before the pair emerged from the cabin. Both of Teymar's engines had failed, but the crew were alright. The lifeboatmen recall that the couple appeared to be 'relieved' to see the lifeboat and then 'embarrassed'. They had no radio, distress flares or any way of indicating position aboard Teymar.

Barmouth lifeboat quickly set up the tow and headed towards New Quay. The tow was then handed over to the New Quay Mersey lifeboat. All the other lifeboats returned to station. Keith remembers that after the service he:'... felt elated: having accomplished a worthwhile job - proud of the professional and dedicated crew.' He also praised the Coastguard: 'Compliments to HMCG on devising an effective search formula and coordinating a successful search.'.