Green laser light causes distraction for Porthcawl RNLI crew

Helm of Porthcawl’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Joe Missen said, “The crew reported being dazzled by a blinding green light being shone at them on numerous occasions. We suspect this was a deliberate act as the person responsible would have seen the navigation lights and blue flashing light of the lifeboat. The light was coming from the direction of the Ogmore By Sea car park.”

Aileen Jones, deputy launch authority at Porthcawl RNLI said:

“Our volunteer lifeboat crews risk their lives to save others at sea and a deliberate act like this makes their job more difficult and puts them at increased risk. Visibility was poor because it was dark and the laser light would have seriously affected the night vision of the crew.'

The incident was reported by the crew to UK Coastguard and anyone with further information should contact South Wales Police.

Ends

Notes to editors.

For further information contact:

Ian Stroud, Lifeboat Press Officer, Porthcawl. Mob 07590777875

Chris Page, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Porthcawl. Mob 07968147621

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