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Multi-agency response to cries for help

Lifeboats News Release

Both of Tenby's lifeboats were requested to launch at 3.40pm on Tuesday 26th August after the Coastguard received reports that several people could be heard shouting for help from caves below St Govans.

RNLI/Ben James

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The volunteer crews were quickly on the water and made best speed to the area, some 10 miles west of Tenby. Also tasked were Coastguard teams from Tenby and St Govans, along with Coastguard rescue helicopter 387.

Around 30 minutes later, the crews arrived on scene and quickly spotted two people waving from the rocks. The inshore lifeboat moved closer to make contact, and the pair confirmed that they were the ones who had been shouting for help. They were uninjured, but had become cut off by the incoming tide.

The helicopter had also arived on scene, but with no injuries requiring medical assistance and the inshore lifeboat more than capable of carrying out the rescue, the helicopter was stood down and returned to base.
The two casualties were soon safely aboard the boat and were brought back to Little New Quay, where they were met by coastguards.

The boats were then stood down to return to station, arriving at 5.15pm.

When visiting the coast, we recommend always checking the times of high and low water. This will help you avoid getting caught out by the tide, which can come in much faster than you might expect. It is also a good idea to take a means of communication with you, such as a mobile phone. If you get into difficulty, you can call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RNLI/Ben James

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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Ben James, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Ben James
Lifeboat Press Officer, Tenby Lifeboat Station

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