Port Talbot and Mumbles RNLI work together to conduct search in misty conditions

At 7.05pm Port Talbot RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard to a report of two people possibly in the water at Hutchins Point, approximately 7 nautical miles from Port Talbot. The volunteer crew assembled quickly and launched the station’s D class lifeboat Craig Morris. The Mumbles all-weather lifeboat Roy Barker IV also launched to join the search.

Conditions at Port Talbot were overcast but, as our lifeboat made best speed towards Porthcawl, the weather began to deteriorate. Our crew encountered a heavy mist, which at times reduced visibility to just a few metres.

On arrival at the scene, the two lifeboat crews worked together to conduct a prolonged parallel search of the shoreline and surrounding area. However, with no persons found and no further reports of anyone missing or in difficulty, both lifeboats were stood down and returned safely to their respective stations.

Back at Port Talbot, the lifeboat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service call. Port Talbot RNLI Launch Authority for the call-out was James Jennings, who said:

‘This was a great example of RNLI lifeboats working together and the strong relationship between our flank stations. Our volunteers train regularly with neighbouring lifeboat stations, so that when called upon, we are able to work seamlessly together to carry out coordinated searches.

‘Thankfully, on this occasion, no one was found to be in difficulty, but our volunteer crews are always ready to respond when the call for help comes in.

‘The first informant took the correct action by contacting the Coastguard when they were concerned that people may have been in the water.’

If you see, or suspect, someone in trouble at sea or on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.