
Port Talbot RNLI respond to kayak being blown against the lee Pier Aberavon
Port Talbot RNLI volunteers were paged today (Friday 2 June) during the sunny and hot Friday afternoon.
Port Talbot lifeboat, Craig Morris, was tasked at 3.04pm by HM Coastguard to reports a kayak was being blown on the lee Pier Aberavon. To complicate matters, a large bulk carrier was due to leave within 30 minutes aided by two sea going tugs, and a large dredger was also working in the vicinity.
The lifeboat launched quickly despite the heavy traffic and busy beach, making best speed to the location. On arrival the crew spotted the kayak against the rocks at the foot of the pier. Further reports were received of a possible second craft within the deep water harbour where the bulk carrier and tugs would shortly be operating.
The Port Talbot RNLI volunteer helm made sure the casualties were safe and would stay where they were the crew searched the deep water harbour.
Fortunately after a thorough search no second craft was located and Port Talbot lifeboat was quickly able to return to the casualties and ensure their safe return to shore.
Clive Morris Lifeboat Operations Manager said, 'Port Talbot lifeboat was launched to a Kayak with two persons on board in the mouth of the River Afan, where a dredger was coming into port. It is important to prioritise safety on the water and respond promptly to any potential risks or emergencies. Thankfully the casualties had left the area prior to any major incident. I would like to remind people that large shipping cannot see those on small craft and it can take a long time for larger vessels to stop. The area around the deep water harbour is prohibited to all but authorised vessels, and entry is strictly controlled by the harbour authorities.'
Once Port Talbot Lifeboat volunteer crew had ensured the safe return to the shore of the casualties, they were stood down by HM Coastguard, returning to their launch site for recovery, washing down of all equipment and refuelling, ensuring that Port Talbot lifeboat is ready to save lives at sea 24/7 365 days of the year.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.