Horton and Port Eynon RNLI rescue father and son in jet-ski incident
Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat was launched shortly after 5pm on Thursday (4 August) after information was received that two people on jet-skis were in difficulty in Oxwich Bay.
The lifeboat quickly made its way to Oxwich where the volunteer crew ascertained that one of the jet-skis was safely on shore whilst the other had capsized and a father and his five-year-old son were clinging onto it.
The jet-ski was about a mile offshore, beyond Oxwich Point and drifting further out to sea. A yacht was nearby and endeavouring to help, however the crew of the yacht had been unable to rescue the father and son from the water.
The father and son were both wearing lifejackets, but they had been in the water for an hour and both were extremely cold.
The RNLI lifeboat crew managed to get both the father and son on board the lifeboat and then took them back to shore in Oxwich, where they were then handed over to the local Coastguard team. The jet-ski was towed to shore and the lifeboat then returned to station.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were Helm Will Metcalfe, Louise Sullivan and David Tong.
Will Metcalfe later said: 'The father and son were in considerable danger. They were drifting out towards mid channel when they were rescued, from where it would be extremely difficult to return without assistance.
'There was a 5-6ft swell and the wind was a blowing force 4-5 and waves were breaking over them.’
Jeff Payne, Deputy Launching Authority for Horton and Port Eynon RNLI lifeboat station, added: 'Our advice to anyone going to sea on any boat or a jet-ski is to ensure that the craft has been serviced and checked over and that you have sufficient fuel. You should also wear a lifejacket and be dressed appropriately for the weather and sea conditions. You also need to have a means of communication so that you can call for assistance in case of difficulties.’
RNLI media contacts:
For more information contact Brin Hurford, Horton and Port Eynon RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer, on [email protected] or 07968 269550 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer – Wales and West, on 01745 585162 / 07748 265496 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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