
Port Talbot RNLI launch to investigate unknown object
Port Talbot RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at 7.25pm on Thursday 25 May.
A report was received that an unknown object was spotted in the water just off the deep sea harbour. As this may have been a person or vessel in distress the RNLI was tasked to investigate.
Volunteer lifeboat crew made best speed to the area. Weather conditions were clear with a light east north east wind with calm seas. Low sun glare made the search for the object a little more testing than expected. The UFO- unidentified floating object turned out to be a deflated helium balloon.
An excellent number of crew made themselves available for the incident, those on board had amassed 86 years of volunteering experience between them and there were three very experienced helms on board.
Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'The RNLI respond to any incident. I would like to thank the first informant who alerted the HM Coastguard via 999 to report this incident.
'It is important that I remind the public that when balloons are launched be it inland or along the coast they do come down and sometimes land in the sea.'
With the warm weather forecast for the next couple of weeks it is important to stay safe at the coast. Please ensure that you swim at a lifeguarded beach and between the red and yellow flags, be wary of edges around the sea and waterside and always carry a means of calling for help.
If you see anyone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact Kirstee David, 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.
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.