On Saturday evening, 26th June, The RNLI Criccieth Lifeboat Doris Joan was launched just before 6pm to search for a jet ski in difficulties between Mochras and Black Rock beach.
Initially nothing could be found and coastguard teams from Criccieth, Harlech and Barmouth also searched from vantage points ashore. The Criccieth lifeboat searched to within two miles of Barmouth.
A fishing vessel then came across the jet ski, with a man from Stoke on Trent aboard, some two miles off Tywyn . This was 20 miles to the south from Black Rock beach from where he had set out. The owner had decided to return there when he experienced difficulty off Mochras but was found fourteen miles in the opposite direction. The rescue helicopter from RAF Valley which had just joined the search confirmed that this was the missing jet ski and the Barmouth RNLI Lifeboat was then launched to tow it north. She handed the tow over to the Criccieth lifeboat which had by then re-launched and she brought the man and his craft back safely to Black Rock beach.
Commenting on the service Peter Williams, Criccieth Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
‘It was an example of someone being ill prepared. Whilst he had a mobile phone, he could speak to the coastguard but they couldn’t pinpoint his position. If he had been better prepared with flares or a VHF radio he could have been found much quicker.’
Whilst this was taking place Holyhead coastguard requested Criccieth Lifeboat crew to check out a boat moored off marine terrace with nobody onboard and reports of a swimmer near the boat. The Arancia boat was launched and searched the boat.
The Atlantic 85 arrived on scene shortly afterwards and the owner of the boat was found on the beach. He had swam from the vessel and required no assistance.
On Sunday 27th June, the RNLI Criccieth lifeboat Doris Joan was launched just after 4pm to assist a boat that had a rope tangled around it propeller. The Arancia boat was also launched to help in removing the rope. The rope was removed and the boat carried on its journey.
