
Port Talbot and Porthcawl RNLI come to aid of two people on broken down vessel
Port Talbot and Porthcawl RNLI came to the aid of two people today (Sunday 11 June) after their vessel broke down west of Sker Point.
Port Talbot RNLI's volunteer crew were requested by HM Coastguard to launch their lifeboat Craig Morris by HM Coastguard at 3.57pm following reports of a broken down vessel with two onboard which was being towed by a jet ski but struggling to make any head way against the fast-ebbing tide, west of Sker Point on what was one of the hottest days of the year so far.
Porthcawl RNLI's Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Rose of the Shire, arrived on scene first. After the helm completed a risk assessment and taking into consideration the tidal conditions, size and weight of the vessel, it was decided that Porthcawl RNLI's lifeboat with its greater power would tow the vessel to the nearest port of safety at Swansea. At the entrance of the River Tawe lock gate the long tow was transferred to Port Talbot RNLI's lifeboat and altered to an alongside to allow for easier manoeuvrability into Swansea Marina itself.
Due to the duration of the rescue operation and the requirement to refuel Port Talbot RNLI's lifeboat, it was decided to also change crew, who were transported in the station's Land Rover along with fuel and refreshments to Swansea Marina.
Speaking following the call out, Clive Morris, Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'Today lifeboats from Porthcawl and Port Talbot conducted a joint rescue operation and working together, both lifeboat crews using their skills were able to assist in conveying the vessel's crew to Swansea Marina. This shows that although from different lifeboat stations, our crews can come together working in harmony to undertake a successful rescue operation.'
Today also saw Daniel Rees, a trainee volunteer crew member complete his first call out as crew. Dan said: 'After completing my shore plan and commencing my crew plan, it was amazing to put into practice all I had learned over many hours of training. It's on a call out that you truly appreciate how brilliant the training is'.
Once the casualty vessel was safely secured to a pontoon, Port Talbot RNLI volunteers returned to station where the lifeboat was recovered, washed down, refuelled and made ready for service again.
Ends
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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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