
RNLI Port Talbot Lifeboat volunteers diverted from a planned training.
HM Coastguard tasked RNLI Port Talbot D848 Craig Morris at 7:30pm to reports of a kite surfer struggling against a freshening offshore northerly wind into a perfect sunset, off the River Tawe Swansea.
Port Talbot Lifeboat volunteers were requested by HM Coastguard to divert from a planned exercise to reports from a first informer of a kite surfer appearing to struggle to making progress against the freshening offshore wind and rapidly fading light.
Port Talbot Lifeboat made best safe speed from their location on the River Neath to the River Tawe /Swansea Marina area. While on route HM Coastguard advised the Lifeboat that the casualty had made their own way ashore and the Lifeboat was able to resume its exercise.
The first informer did exactly the right thing by reporting their concerns by calling 999 and asking for HM Coastguard. RNLI Port Talbot would always prefer to be called early to any incidents even if the outcome is a false alarm with good intent.
Paul Skinner Port Talbot Lifeboat helm and Lifeboat Training coordinator said: 'This evening again proved how vital it is for all crafts to carry a means to call for assistance, wear appropriate clothing and wear a buoyancy aid.'
Port Talbot RNLI crew and launch vehicle driver Dean Fyfield completed his training units for two alternative launch sites in one training session which is an achievement in itself. However, the biggest achievement is this will be his last launch as a single man as he gets married on Saturday. All at the station wish him and his future wife Sami Davies, soon to be Fyfield, all the very best for their future and hope that his driving skills won't be required to launch the lifeboat on Saturday.
RNLI Port Talbot volunteer crew recovered through thick mud due to tidal conditions. Then returned by road to their station where the lifeboat was refuelled and washed down, ready for service to be ever ready to save lives at sea, 24/7, 365 days a year in all weather conditions.
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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