Penarth RNLI lifeboats race to cliff top emergency
Both of Penarth RNLI's lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, were launched just after midday today (Friday 7 April).
Concerns had been raised for the welfare of a person thought to be somewhere between Lavernock Point and Penarth Head.
Both lifeboats proceeded to start shoreline searches, whilst our search and rescue colleagues from HM Coastguard Penarth and police officers conducted a cliff top search. With additional support from the National Police Air Service helicopter overhead the person was quickly located and brought to safety by the coastguard team and police officers.
Although a quick call in terms of time on the water for the Penarth RNLI team, by the time the volunteers refuelled and washed the lifeboats it was two hours before many of the crew returned to their day jobs.
Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager said: 'We are so grateful for our employers and families who allow us time to save lives at sea.
We train for incidents like this and today showed the ability of all the emergency services to work together seamlessly.'
Key facts about the RNLI
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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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.