Two Alerts For Port Talbot RNLI
Port Talbot RNLI crew were called out on Tuesday 6 November after the coastguard were alerted to a wind surfer off Aberavon beach who could possibly be in trouble.
A person had dialled 999 at 3.45pm after losing sight of a windsurfer who was a little way off the beach in a rough sea and who could be in the water. The lifeboat was launched and carried out a thorough search of the area whilst the coastguards patrolled the promenade. The informant was certain that as he could no longer see the surfer and that he must have fallen off his board. After a thorough search for over two hours nothing was found and the search was called off. Due to severe sea conditions the lifeboat had to be recovered at an alternate site.
Later further information was received that the wind surfer had in fact left the sea with his equipment and driven away from the area. The call-out was classed as a falser alarm with good intent.
Another call-out came for the volunteers at 11pm to assist in a search for a missing person. Due to low water it was impossible to get into the river with the lifeboat, therefore the lifeboat crew joined the coastguard and police in a land search. After around one hour forty five minutes no one was found and all services were stood down.
RNLI media contact
For more information contact Mel Cooper, Port Talbot Lifeboat Press Officer on 01639 894335. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390.
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.