Teenagers rescued by Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat after becoming cut off by tide

The casualties were initially believed to be at Dams Bay, but their location was soon updated to the Bull’s Nose Cliffs at Cold Knap – a narrow, rocky ledge that often becomes submerged at high tide. Working closely with Barry Coastguard Rescue Team, who were unable to access the site from land due to tide height and sea conditions, Barry Dock RNLI’s volunteer crew located the two teenagers stranded on a 1m ledge, soaked and at risk from the waves.

Despite the challenge of an incoming tide and big swell, a crew member was carefully put ashore to assess the teenagers and fit them with lifejackets. During a brief lull in the swell, the helm steered the ILB, bow-on to the pebble bank and ledge, enabling both casualties to scramble aboard with help from the crew – cold and shaken, but safe.

Due to the conditions, it was not possible to return the teenagers to Cold Knap, so the lifeboat rerouted around the headland to Watchtower Bay, where they were reunited with their relieved parents.

Bill Kitchen, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Barry Dock RNLI, said:

‘This call-out was a powerful reminder of how quickly conditions can change on our coastline. But the teenagers did exactly the right thing – they had their phones, called 999 and asked for the Coastguard. That meant we could get to them before things got worse. Huge thanks go to our volunteer crew and our colleagues at Barry Coastguard for the safe outcome.’

The ILB returned to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station and was quickly refuelled and made ready for service – just in time for a second call-out to assist RNLI Penarth in the final stages of a tow. Penarth’s inshore lifeboat had been towing a casualty vessel from Lavernock Point to Barry Harbour.

On arrival, Barry Dock’s crew placed a crew member aboard the casualty vessel to assist with berthing and provide local knowledge of the harbour. The three people and their dog on board were safely brought ashore and made their way to the lifeboat station.

Both incidents highlighted the importance of a swift, coordinated response, and demonstrated the teamwork, skill, and calm decision-making of the volunteer crews involved.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889.

Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 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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