The Moelfre RNLI inshore lifeboat was launched yesterday (10 September 2010) at 12.45pm to reports of an elderly man in a small rubber dingy holding onto a wheelie bin about one mile out to sea off Red Wharf Bay.
The 81 year old local man was blown out to sea in his small inflatable dinghy whilst attempting to rescue his bin after it had been swept out to sea in one of the highest tides so far this year and a strong 25 mph wind.
When the volunteer lifeboat crew arrived on scene they found the elderly man, who was not wearing a lifejacket or waterproof clothing, very cold and wet. Due to the sea conditions his dingy was half full of sea water.
The man was quickly transferred onto the inshore lifeboat and the RNLI first aid trained lifeboat crew assessed his condition. Due to the fact he was slightly confused they identified that he may be suffering from mild hypothermia and immediately requested an ambulance.
The casualty was warmed and taken ashore to Red Wharf bay where he was left in the care of the Moelfre Coastguard team who continued to warm him until the ambulance arrived. He was then taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor for further treatment.
The Moelfre RNLI inshore lifeboat crew then went back out to tow in the dingy and wheelie bin, which surprisingly was still half full of rubbish.
Moelfre RNLI Lifeboat Station Press Officer Dave Massey explains:
‘Every one at the Moelfre RNLI lifeboat station wishes the gentleman a speedy recovery. The volunteer lifeboat crews at Moelfre have dealt with a wide variety of emergency calls over the years but I am sure that this is the first time we have been involved in towing in a wheelie bin.’
