EARLIER this month, the new lifeboat in a Ceredigion station was used for the first time in 2024 after a yacht was stricken off the coast in strong winds.

New Quay RNLI’s new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat – Roy Barker V – was ready to go in September last year after a huge fundraising effort to get the new boat to help save lives at sea.

On Tuesday, January 9, the lifeboat was sent out for its first should of 2024 when it was launched at midday to help a 14-metre yacht that was in difficulties around 18 miles north of New Quay.

HM Milford Haven Coastguard made the call to the RNLI, who launched in a strong wind which was around double the strength of the forecast, as the forecast said the east to north-easterly wind should be force 4-6 but it was force 7-9 and gusts of up to force 10.

The yacht had gotten into difficulty due to torn sails and had lost all means of propulsion. It was drifting rapidly after the anchor cable had parted.

Dan Potter, coxswain of New Quay RNLI, said: “The casualty vessel had lost all means of propulsion and, with the anchor cable having parted, she was drifting rapidly.

“With torn sails she was completely disabled, and having assessed the situation, we decided that the safest course of action was to tow the vessel to the nearest safe haven of Aberystwyth.”

Huw Williams, volunteer crew member for the RNLI, said: “Seeing Aberystwyth harbour was a welcome sight after towing for many hours in strong winds. We then transferred the tow to our colleagues at Aberystwyth RNLI, who safely berthed the vessel in the marina.”

Roger Couch, lifeboat operations manager, said: “This was a job well done by our volunteers, our first of the year, and a great example of working with our flank station, putting all our hours of training into practice.”

The lifeboat and yacht arrived at the entrance to Aberystwyth harbour at 5.10pm and returned back to New Quay shortly after 6pm.