
RNLI Port Talbot launch to aid of person cut off by tide
RNLI Port Talbot volunteer crew were tasked by HMCG Milford Haven at 2.24 pm to go to the aid of a person in the water who was cut off by the tide on the sandbank, Swansea side of the river Neath.
The volunteer crew responded with speed and professionalism, launching their inshore, d class lifeboat, 816. The Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 was on exercise in the area, so they were also able to respond rapidly and winched the casualty to safety from the increasing incoming tide.
This was the first service call for newly qualified volunteer helm James Jennings, who launched with the boat crew through heavy autumn surf. It was also the first shout for shore crew member, Emma Taylor.
Commenting on his first service call as a helm, James Jennings said:
'When you have reports of someone in the water, time is of the essence and all the years of training for these moments kick in. The volunteer crew, shore crew and driver all worked in perfect unison. The launch was challenging with a big surf built up by the onshore winds. As we arrived on scene, the Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 was fortunately on exercise in the area and winched the casualty to safety. This was a fine example of rescue agencies working together, turning an emergency into a rescue with a successful outcome. I would like to thank all the Port Talbot RNLI volunteers who dropped everything on a Saturday afternoon to save lives at sea.'
Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris, commented after the shout:
'Today was the first service call for our newly qualified helm James Jennings and he coped well with the tricky five- to six-foot surf. James’s seamanship and knowledge skilfully guided the lifeboat throughout the shout. The pilot of the rescue helicopter took the decision to winch the casualty to safety. It showed how by working in partnership with other agencies, a good result is made easier.'
Following the safe return of the RNLI Port Talbot Volunteer crew, the lifeboat was recovered, washed down, refuelled, made ready for the service and the crew and shore crew debriefed before returning to their Saturday evening activities.
Media contacts
For more information please contact Ceri Jeffreys, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or or Claire Elshaw Regional Media Officer on 07468 353 082 or [email protected] Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].
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
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