A PADDLEBOARDER and her dog were rescued from the base of cliffs in Cemaes Bay during an "extremely challenging" operation amid torrential rain, lightning and thunderstorms.
Moelfre Coxswain Vince Jones said the operation was unlike anything he had experienced in 25 years of lifeboating.
Moelfre RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard on the evening of Wednesday, May 27. All crew were strapped inside for protection against the elements.
The crew made speed for Cemaes Bay, where Cemaes Bay Coastguard Rescue Team were positioned on the cliff top, keeping watch over the casualty and her dog.
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Upon arrival the volunteer crew prepared the small Y boat, the lifeboat’s daughter craft, and launched it in difficult conditions.
A spokesperson for Moelfre RNLI said: "The Y boat was carefully manoeuvred through rocky, shallow water to reach the woman and her dog, who were unharmed but suffering from the cold and exposure amid a thunder and lightning storm and heavy rain.
"They were swiftly rescued, checked over, provided with thermal protection, and brought ashore to the waiting Coastguard team.
"The Y-boat was brought back aboard the ALB and the crew headed back to the station."
The storm overhead was creating heavy interference and making communication between the agencies difficult.
The shore crew waited for the ALB’s return and a break in the storm to get ready and recover the lifeboat in tricky conditions.
Moelfre Coxswain Vince Jones said: "In 25 years of lifeboating I’ve faced all kinds of weather, but last night was a first. What should have been a straightforward rescue became extremely challenging due to the electrical thunderstorm over Anglesey and north Wales.
"The casualty and her dog were struggling and had been exposed to the storm that rolled in within minutes.
"Her paddleboard had partially deflated, leaving her trapped at the base of the cliffs. There was heavy rain and wind squalls topping 25 knots, with a severe weather warning issued just an hour before she got into trouble.
"The crew worked with great care in tough conditions, as well as the shore crew back at the station, exposed and operating on our slipway.
"My heartfelt thanks go to each of them and we are so pleased we were able to rescue the casualty and her dog and bring them to safety."
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