Our volunteer crew launched our Atlantic 85 on service at the request of UK Coastguard to a MAYDAY call which they had broadcast.
Our colleagues at RNLI Lifeguards South East Wales and the National Coastwatch Institution – Porthcawl had both reported a sailing dinghy which had capsized off Newton Point to UK Coastguard. One person had been swept away from the dinghy in the strong spring tide current, whilst the other had managed to stay with it and was attempting to right it. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187, Porthcawl Coastguard and Llantwit Major Coastguard were all also initially tasked to the MAYDAY call.
Our Atlantic 85 lifeboat was quickly on scene recovering the person from the water who had been swept away from the dinghy. With the first casualty onboard the lifeboat it then went to the dinghy to rescue the second casualty.
With all persons safely onboard the lifeboat and in need of no further medical assistance all other search and rescue assets were stood down from the incident by UK Coastguard and the MAYDAY downgraded.
The crew then set about recovering the dinghy. With the assistance of the crew on our smaller D Class lifeboat (which had launched to the incident after the Atlantic 85) the dinghy was righted and sails dropped so it could be towed.
Despite some initial difficulties as the dinghy had lost bungs and was taking on water, it was towed back to Newton Beach where the crew assisted the casualties with the recovery of their dinghy.
Get Social