Porthcawl RNLI crews assist as light aircraft ditches into the sea

One person was onboard and was taken into the care of Coastguards.

Three RNLI lifeboats have been involved in ensuring the aircraft is secure and does not become a danger to navigation. Porthcawl’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat has been assisted by the station’s D-class lifeboat and D-class lifeboat from Port Talbot. All lifeboats offered assistance and returned to their respective stations just after 10.30am this morning.

Chris Page, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Porthcawl says:

‘RNLI volunteer crews never quite know what to expect when the call for help comes. We are trained to deal with every eventuality, but were incredibly relieved to arrive on scene to find the pilot was able to be safely recovered. This was a real multi-agency effort between the fire service, Police, ambulance service, the Coastguard and the RNLI.’

Ends

For further information please contact Regional Media Manager for the RNLI in Wales on Danielle Rush on 07786 668829

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 142,700 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.