Just days after being passed out as safe to go on service, volunteer Crew Member Luke Harlow answered his very first shout with Cardigan RNLI.

Luke joined the RNLI on 1 September last year and began his lifeboat crew training in May.

Following months of dedicated training and assessments, he successfully passed his Crew Emergency Procedures (CEP) assessment in late July and was declared safe to go on service last Friday.

It wasn’t long before his pager sounded for the first time.

Luke joined fellow crew members aboard the station’s D class lifeboat to assist a yacht that had suffered engine failure.

The vessel was unable to continue its journey and required assistance.

The yacht was moving dangerously close to rocks and had been initially helped by another vessel.

But due to the capability of both vessels and persons onboard, it was determined that the safest course of action was for the lifeboat to take over.

The lifeboat crew established a tow and safely escorted the yacht and its occupants to a place of safety.

Luke said: “I joined the RNLI last September and started lifeboat crew training in May. After passing my CEP assessment in late July, I became safe to go on service last Friday.

“It was great to finally put all the training into practice and be part of the crew helping someone in need.”

Like all RNLI volunteers, Luke has dedicated countless hours to training alongside his work and personal commitments, preparing for the day when he would respond to his first emergency call.

Cardigan RNLI’s volunteer crew undertake regular training throughout the year to ensure they are ready to respond when needed, day or night.

Everyone at Cardigan RNLI congratulated Luke on reaching this important milestone and wished him every success as he continues his RNLI journey.