“OUR loved ones could have been facing a very different Christmas this year”, a group of sailors plucked to safety off the coast of Ceredigion during Storm Arwen have said, as they heaped praise on crews from New Quay and Barmouth for saving their lives.

As the Cambrian News reported earlier this month, the four men were travelling from Ireland to Aberystwyth in an ocean rowing boat as part of a training exercise in challenging sea conditions at the height of Storm Arwen when they got into difficulty.

New Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched with six volunteer crew member on board in north westerly gale force winds in excess of 30mph and gusting in places over 50mph.

Barmouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was first to be tasked.

A Coastguard rescue helicopter was also tasked and placed a winchman on board the vessel to assess the casualties.

It was decided to airlift one of the group with head injuries directly to hospital.

The RNLI now say the crew from Ireland are “home safe and well” and were “keen to show their gratitude to the RNLI volunteers who launched in such challenging conditions.”

The ocean rowing boat skipper said: “The weather came in much quicker and much worse than we had predicted.

“The relief on seeing that lifeboat coming towards us was immense.

“I have nothing but praise for the professionalism and efficiency of the RNLI volunteers who saved our lives, they were quite simply remarkable.

“We were brought back into the shelter of New Quay and the crews were so welcoming and hospitable.

“They were genuinely overwhelmed and grateful that there had been a positive outcome.

“We’re back home with our families now, but our loved ones could have been facing a very different Christmas this year had it not been for these fantastic volunteers.

“I’d urge everyone to support their Christmas appeal this year as you just never ever know when you’re going to need their help.”

Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI’s Coxswain said: “In my 44 years as a lifeboatman, I’ve been on hundreds of shouts, but I can honestly say I’ve never felt such satisfaction and relief that these men were recovered safely.

“I’m not ashamed to say it, there were tears on that boat on that day.

“The look on their faces when we reached them will stay with me for a very long time.

“Nothing compares to that feeling of being able to know hand on heart you contributed to saving someone’s life.

“The fact you can return them safely to their families is job satisfaction on another scale.

“Our vision is to save every one and I hope people will continue to support us in being able to do this and support our Christmas appeal this year.”

For information and to donate to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, visit www.RNLI.org/Xmas.