Mumbles lifeboat was called out for the second time in a week to pleasure craft in trouble.
A 43ft motor yacht got into trouble off Worms Head, Gower following engine trouble. Both the motorboat’s engines had failed due to suspected fuel contamination during its passage from Milford Haven to Cardiff Bay.
Lifeboat crew member Matthew Williams was put aboard the stricken vessel to supervise its tow back to The Mumbles for repair.
Area Sea Safety Officer, Sid Wilkins, says other pleasure craft users should see this as a warning: ‘We’ve had a good spell of dry clear weather with little wind which has encouraged many boat users to get out on the water.
‘Boat users just need to bear in mind that this would be time better spent just ensuring all the essential maintenance is carried out before they take to the water. The motorboat we were called to was the second casualty in five days The Mumbles lifeboat has been called to in the Worms Head area following a racing yacht being dismasted last weekend.
‘We actively encourage all users of watercraft to take part in the RNLI sea safety scheme where users can request that one of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat sea safety officers will come and give help and advice on board your own vessel. The SEA Check is a free service and is a useful appraisal for new and experienced boat users on what kind of safety equipment should be carried and best practice to use it.
‘With both Swansea and Monkstone Marina in Neath currently being closed for three weeks for essential maintenance, this is the perfect time to make use of this service. A sea safety visit can be arranged by getting in touch with Mumbles lifeboat station.’
The Mumbles lifeboat station is currently in a drive to raise £150,000 towards a new boat and boathouse, which will cost over £2 million.The new boat will be faster, stronger and much safer for the volunteer crew and casualties.
