Port Talbot RNLI launch to reports of mysterious lights in the surf
Port Talbot RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch by Milford Haven Coastguard at 8.01pm on Sunday 9 October.
A report was received that an object with a light was spotted in the water just 300 metres from the shore line at Aberavon beach.
The volunteer lifeboat crew made best speed to the area. Due to high water and surf conditions at the time Port Talbot’s D class lifeboat launched from the River Afan.
Once launched, Port Talbot’s crew were guided by the Port Talbot Coastguard unit to the location of the flashing light.
Weather conditions at the time were challenging, visibility was reduced due to the darkness and rain and there were very strong winds.
After a short period of searching a glow stick was recovered from the sea with nothing attached. A further search was carried out with nothing else was found.
Port Talbot RNLI’s Helm David Jones said:
'It was a challenging shout due to the weather conditions but there was a good outcome. I would like to thank the caller for their vigilance. It is great to see that the public know the importance of raising the alarm, even though on this occasion it turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. If you find yourself in difficulty at the coast, or see someone else in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'
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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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