Port Talbot and The Mumbles RNLI lifeboats tasked to assist with a tow

The vessel with three men on board had been fishing when they had engine failure and a small auxiliary engine they had on board was considered not powerful enough to get them back to the River Afan.

The Mumbles RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was tasked to take them in tow and proceed across the bay towards Port Talbot.

Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat was launched to meet The Mumbles boat out in the bay and take over the tow. Due to a dropping tide the lifeboat was unable to reach the slipway in the river to recover the boat. It was secured on moorings to await the incoming tide and they could then use their small auxiliary engine to get back to the slipway for recovery.

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.