A FAMILY DAY OUT
HOLYHEAD | 7 JUNE
An experienced sailor and his 5-year-old grandson got driven aground in their 8m cruiser, after getting snagged in lobsterpot lines. They were spotted by nearby walkers, who quickly called the Coastguard and were able to take the child from his worried grandad. Holyhead lifeboat crew set up a tow and, under full power in blustery conditions, dragged the boat from the rocks. It was brought ashore, and the family reunited, at the nearest slipway.

CYCLIST HELPED TO SAFETY
WICKLOW | 16 MAY
Wicklow lifeboat crew worked with other emergency services when a cyclist fell from the quayside on to Strand Beach – with the tide on its way in. They gave first aid and got him on to a stretcher, ready to evacuate onboard their D class lifeboat Dennis-Audrey, which was on its first shout. However, the Coast Guard cliff rescue unit were soon on scene, so our crew helped them lift the stretcher back up to the road and the waiting ambulance.

RESCUED AFTER 32 HOURS
CAMPBELTOWN, ISLAY, RED BAY | 1 MAY
When Matthew Bryce didn’t return from his Sunday morning surf, lifeboat crews from Scotland and Northern Ireland joined the search. He was found by the Coastguard helicopter on Monday evening, 13 miles from shore after 32 hours. He had held onto his board, and was in a good wetsuit, but said (via ITV): ‘Do not go surfing alone. Purchase a personal GPS tracker.’

HAPPILY EVER AFTER
YARMOUTH | 26 MAY
Having taken part in the first five Whitbread Round the World Races (1973–90), Great Britain II is a yacht with a whole lot of history. Yarmouth lifeboat crew became part of that story when the yacht’s engine failed off the Isle of Wight. They towed Great Britain II and its 10-strong crew to a safe mooring, where they made ready for the next adventure.