Irish pilots return to RNLI station with €10,000 thank-you after sea rescue

Six weeks ago, the pilots were rescued on Friday 26 June after their light aircraft was forced to ditch into the sea approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head following mechanical difficulties during a flight from Ireland to Aberporth.

RNLI crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard, alongside HM Coastguard, launched a coordinated rescue operation which brought both men safely ashore after their aircraft ditched in Cardigan Bay.

To mark their return, volunteers from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI stations came together for a celebratory barbecue at New Quay lifeboat station, providing an opportunity for the crews involved in the rescue to reunite with the men whose lives they helped save.

The event was attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, who thanked RNLI volunteers for their dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea.

Jim O’Connor, one of the rescued pilots said: “It's difficult to put into words how grateful we are to everyone who helped us that evening. From the moment the rescue operation began we knew we were in the hands of highly skilled professionals.

“We want to thank the crews from New Quay, Cardigan and Fishguard RNLI, as well as HM Coastguard, for their incredible response and for bringing us safely home to our families.

“The support we received after the rescue was overwhelming and we wanted to give something back. The fundraising campaign has raised nearly €10,000 so far and we hope it helps support the lifesaving work carried out by RNLI volunteers every day.”

JP Smith, the second pilot added: "Meeting the crews today has been very special. These volunteers dropped everything to come to our aid, and we will never forget their kindness, professionalism and care. Ordinary people providing an exordinary service. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

“The RNLI is an great organisation and we are proud to be able to support it through this fundraising effort.”

Ed Hides, Lifeboat Operations Manager at New Quay RNLI, said:

"It was wonderful to welcome JP and Jim, along with their families, back to New Quay. To see them safe and well, just weeks after such a significant rescue operation, means a great deal to everyone involved.

"The presentation of the commemorative clock and this incredible €10,000 donation was completely unexpected and incredibly generous. We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributed, particularly the Irish aviation community, whose support will help our volunteer crews continue saving lives at sea."

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Williams, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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