First rescue for new Horton and Port Eynon RNLI volunteer

Information had been received from HM Coastguard that two men in a boat were in difficulty off Oxwich Point and were in the water. The lifeboat crew got themselves ready taking their night equipment with them. The lifeboat was launched and quickly made its way to Oxwich and the crew carried out a search, but initially were unable to locate the two men.

The Coastguard Rescue Team on shore had details of the men’s location from their mobile phone, which showed they were on Oxwich Point. The lifeboat then went to the point and found the two men on rocks. Their boat was nearby.

They were taken onboard the lifeboat back to shore in Oxwich, where they were handed over to the Coastguard. Their boat was also taken back to shore.

The two men, who were from the Bristol area had launched their boat, an inflatable dingy powered by a battery powered engine from Oxwich early in the afternoon and were fishing. They had been down to Port Eynon Bay when they lost power to the engine.

The two men then rowed back towards Oxwich and eventually were stranded on the rocks at Oxwich Point. They had run out of water when rescued and were exhausted. They were provided with water on the lifeboat.

The volunteer crew of the Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat were, Dave Tonge (Helm), Jeremy Littlejohns, Alastair Massey and Jay Littlejohns. The sea conditions were flat though visibility was not good.

Claire Payne, Launch Authority said: ‘This was the first rescue for our new crew member Jay and it was great that his father Jeremy was with him on this occasion.

‘It illustrates the importance and involvement of family at RNLI stations. Jay has been training hard and it is wonderful to see his hard work being put to good use.

‘The hot weather has seen a lot more people visiting the beaches and also going out on the water in boats and paddleboards. We want to see people enjoying themselves, but safely.

‘I would remind people going out on the water on a powered boat to ensure that the engine is serviced and that they have sufficient fuel and if appropriate, that any electric engine is adequately charged. Also ensure you have adequate water with you, together with lifejackets and a means of communication. If you find yourself in difficulty or see someone in difficulty on or near the coast, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please telephone Brin Hurford, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on  07968 269 550 or [email protected].

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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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