RNLI rescues paddleboarder and dog in Anglesey storm
Moelfre RNLI volunteers rescued a paddleboarder and her dog after they became trapped at the base of cliffs in Cemaes Bay during torrential rain, thunder and lightning.
The all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 8.34pm last Wednesday, 27 May 2026, following several reports of the woman and dog in difficulty. The lifeboat launched shortly after 8.30pm with all crew strapped inside for protection against the storm.
Cemaes Bay Coastguard Rescue Team kept watch from the cliff top as the lifeboat made best speed to the scene. Once there, the crew launched the Y boat, the lifeboat’s daughter craft, and carefully manoeuvred through rocky, shallow water to reach the casualty.
Difficult rescue in thunder and lightning
The woman and her dog were unharmed but cold and exposed after the storm swept in. Her paddleboard had partially deflated, leaving her trapped below the cliffs. They were rescued, checked over, given thermal protection and brought ashore to the waiting Coastguard team.
Communication between agencies was made difficult by interference caused by the storm. Shore crew also had to wait for a break in the weather before recovering the lifeboat in tricky conditions.
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.
Moelfre Coxswain Vince Jones
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Paddleboarding safety advice
The RNLI advises paddleboarders to check the weather and tides, go with a friend where possible, wear a buoyancy aid, carry a phone in a waterproof pouch, use the correct leash, and call 999 for the coastguard in a coastal emergency.
For more information on the RNLI and the lifesaving work they carry out, visit:
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