Rescue stories

Fishguard Lifeboat crew braved rough seas and bad weather to rescue three stranded teenagers near Newport. The teenagers had been coasteering - swimming , jumping and climbing cliffs, when they became stranded in August 2006. Two lifeboats had to be launched because of the rough seas.

As there were fears that the inshore lifeboat could capsize if a rescue was attempted the lifeboats stayed back as a cliff rescue team tried to reach the isolated group. In the meantime, Stephen Done - the helmsman of the inshore lifeboat - was assessing the wave pattern and as his concern grew about the teenager's safety he decided to attempt a rescue.

The lifeboat had to be carefully guided past rock ledges and large boulders. On the third try, a large wave grounded the lifeboat on a rock ledge. In about 10 to 15 seconds the crew were able to help two of the teenagers onto the boat. The cliff rescue team were then able to rescue the third.

Thanks to the Blue Peter lifeboat crew working with the cliff team, the teenagers were rescued and their lives were no longer in danger.