Port Talbot RNLI respond to reports of a mystery flashing light at sea
At 9.14pm on Monday 7 April, Port Talbot RNLI volunteers were tasked for the second time in 3 days by HM Coastguard, to reports of a flashing light situated approximately 1km off Remos Cafe Bar on Aberavon seafront.
With the volunteer crew responding safely but promptly in impressive numbers, the D class inshore lifeboat was promptly launched into the inky blackness of the still night. Under the command of Helm Carl Matthews, and guided expertly from the shore by our colleagues from Port Talbot Coastguard to the last known position of the reported flashing light.
With concerns that the flashing light could be that of a swimmer in difficulty, the D class inshore lifeboat Craig Morris, made best possible safe speed directed by the many eyes from shore.
Arriving within minutes from the pager sounding, to launch, to being on scene - the highly experienced crew quickly spotted a fishing vessel at anchor with a trailing net search lights illuminating both the anchor rope and net lines.
Once the crew established that the vessel was not in any difficulty and the Coastguard were content that this was the source of the mystery flashing light, the lifeboat was stood down. The crew made their way back to the launch site for recovery, being met by the RNLI shore crew and launch vehicle drivers who refuelled, washed down and made the equipment ready for the next service.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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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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.