Port Talbot RNLI tasked three times in three hours to multi agency incidents

On the first stunning evening of a reported week-long heatwave, Port Talbot RNLI volunteers were tasked after a report that a paddle-boarder was reported entering the water but not returning - with the paddle board washing up on the beach.

The first informant did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and requesting the coastguard, giving details their concerns.

Fortunately for the potential casualty, there was a volunteer meeting underway at the station, with people with the authority to launch and lifeboat helms gathered, when the pagers sounded.

It resulted in an instant response and the lifeboat being launched within minutes to the reported position of the washed up paddle board. Under the command of highly experienced helm, Dai Jones and the station's most experienced volunteer crew who were already on station.

Due to potential seriousness of the incident, also tasked were Port Talbot Coastguard Unit, RNLI Mumbles all-weather lifeboat and HM Coastguard helicopter A192 from Newquay Cornwall.

HM Coastguard (HMCG) requested Port Talbot RNLI inshore lifeboat, Craig Morris, to complete a search pattern called a creeping line ahead. This is a form of shore line search, which traces the outline of the beach in the potential area that the casualty may have drifted - then, at the end of the first search line, a measured 90 degree turn is made at a distance provided by the coastguard and the boat moves out, commencing a return route.

This is repeated so that every potential area of sea is methodically covered by highly-trained eyes. The helicopter is also tasked to do the same on the other end of the designated search area so the sea is covered at low and high level.

The helicopter also has a host of electronic wizardry providing an unprecedented array of search capability. Once the coastguard were satisfied that the casualty was safe and well ashore, all recue crews were stood down.

While the inshore lifeboat was preparing to be recovered into the lifeboat station, they were tasked again to a mystery shining object off the old lifeboat slipway. A rapid search revealed nothing untoward, with HMCG then standing down the inshore lifeboat.

While preparing again for recovery into the station, the inshore lifeboat was tasked to a medical emergency on Aberavon sea front by the Big Wheel. Also tasked were Port Talbot Coastguard, South Wales Police and South Wales Ambulance service .

Once the casualty was safely passed to the next level of care, the Port Talbot RNLI inshore lifeboat could finally be recovered, refuelled, washed down and made ready for service.

Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operation Manager, Clive Morris, said: 'This evening the crew of Port Talbot Lifeboat were tasked by HMCG three times for different incidents. Volunteer crews assembled quickly in excellent numbers and worked with rescue helicopter 192 from Newquay in a search for a paddle boarder.

'Then they received further calls, for investigation by our crews. Our crews work closely with other agencies to undertake such rescues.

'I would like to remind people that now the warm weather has arrived, it’s important that you check the tides and if using paddle boards or inflatables to be mindful of the wind direction and force, although sun is shining the water temperature is still cold.

'We are always grateful for our first informants calling 999, and providing us with potentially vital life saving information, patiently staying on scene so that further questions can be asked as required as the incident evolves. The value of this support is truly immense.'

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.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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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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