Pwllheli RNLI members have spoken of the harrowing experience of trying to rescue one of their own.

Paying tribute to crew member Barry Davies, who was also a policeman based in Porthmadog, they said “nothing prepares you for losing one of your own crew members”.

Both Pwllheli lifeboats were called out to the incident.

Despite the crews’ best efforts, Barry passed away a short time later. The death has deeply saddened the community and team at Pwllheli.

Paying tribute, Clifford Thomas, lifeboat operations manager at Pwllheli RNLI, said: “On behalf of everyone here at Pwllheli Lifeboat Station, I would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to Barry’s family, friends and colleges at this extremely difficult time.

“Barry was a much-loved and respected crew member here at Pwllheli and we are devastated at the loss.”

Echoing sympathies paid by Clifford, Clive Moore, coxswain at Pwllheli RNLI, said: “This was a particularly difficult and harrowing service for all involved at Pwllheli RNLI. Nothing prepares you for losing one of your own crew members and has deeply affected everyone here at the station.

“Barry served as a local Police Officer for many years and volunteered as a crew member here at Pwllheli RNLI.

“He was well-respected in the local area, loved by many and will be sadly missed for his contribution to the local community.”

Barry served at Pwllheli RNLI on both the all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboats since 2007 and played a part in the rescue of 21 people during his time as an RNLI volunteer.

"On behalf of everyone at the RNLI, our thoughts go out to Barry’s family at this difficult time," a spokesperson said.