Busy afternoon for Tenby lifeboats
Both Tenby lifeboats were requested to launch this afternoon (Weds 9th August) after a report from a member of the public that 2 kayaks had been washed onto rocks at Priest’s Nose and had disappeared from sight.
The all-weather lifeboat was launched at 4.15pm and began a search between Lydstep and Manorbier, checking all the coves in between. In the meantime, as the swell between Giltar and Manorbier wasn’t too bad, the inshore lifeboat was also requested to launch to assist with the search. Tenby, Manorbier and St Govans Coastguard rescue teams were also tasked, along with Coastguard Rescue helicopter 187 from St Athan.
As they approached Manorbier beach, the volunteer crew of the Haydn Miller launched the y-boat with two crew aboard. They then went into the shore at Manorbier to speak to members of the public, who confirmed that the two kayakers, a father and his son, had managed to get safely back to the beach and had since left the area. It turned out that the son had got into trouble in his inflatable kayak in a strong offshore breeze, prompting the father to attempt to rescue him. Luckily after making it to the rocks, they managed to walk around to Manorbier beach.
With the casualties safely ashore and no longer in danger, the lifeboats were stood down and returned to station, arriving at 5.20pm.
The lifeboat began their search at Castle Beach and headed toward South beach as Police and Coastguard units searched the shore and the Esplanade above.
Luckily, the girl was soon found by an off duty RNLI lifeguard in the South beach car park and was quickly reunited with her relieved parents.
Following this good news, the inshore lifeboat was stood down and returned to station.
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.