Burry Port RNLI launched to multiple people cut off on sandbank

Simultaneously, the pagers were set off by Milford Haven Coastguard for an immediate launch of the D-class inshore lifeboat Diane Hilary.

The RNLI's inshore lifeboat was on the water by 5.23pm and further reports stated that as many as 40 people, mainly children, had been cut off.

The station's Atlantic 75 class lifeboat Leicester Challenge II was immediately put on standby and also launched due to the possible numbers of persons involved.

The D-class was crewed by Helm Darren Sheppard, Paul Mitchell and Jared Phillips and the larger Atlantic 75 lifeboat was crewed by Helm Gary Morgan with Lee Fox and Kevin Lloyd.

Once on scene it became apparent that the casualties had made their way to safety with the help of Dyfed Powys Police and local coastguard teams.

The RNLI lifeboats did a sweep of the area and then safely returned to station at Burry Port.

This was Jared Phillips' first shout, just short of his 18th birthday on May 10.

Roger Bowen, Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'Well done to all concerned and especially to Jared. Everyone at the station wishes him a happy birthday.

'The sandbanks in the area are very quickly covered or cut off by the rising tides, so we would encourage anyone walking in the area to please take care everyone and know the tide times before they set outThe sandbanks in the area are very quickly covered or cut off by the rising tides, so we would encourage anyone walking in the area to please take care everyone and know the tide times before they set out.'

Notes to editors:

The attached pictures show

- Burry Port RNLI's two lifeboats

- Burry Port RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew member Jared Phillips, whose first shout this weekend came days before his 18th birthday.

Media contacts:

For further information, please contact Burry Port RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Alun Wells on 07929 783239 or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected].

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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