Dramatic rescue off North Gower involving both Burry Port RNLI lifeboats.

Burry Port RNLI were paged for a direct launch of both lifeboats at 3.00pm, from Milford Haven UK Coastguard, to assist a small motor vessel, which was believed to have four persons on board, seen in the surf line off Broughton Beach on the North Gower coast. One casualty was reported to be in the water, hanging on to the side of the vessel.

Both boats were quickly launched, but the faster Atlantic 85 'The Misses Barrie' was first on scene, to find three of the casualties in the water, trying to hold the boat, in the surf, with the fourth casualty on board the stricken vessel.

The Atlantic crew took control of the situation, taking the four casualties on board, and holding the vessel until the D-class 'Diane Hilary' arrived. With both lifeboats and casualties enduring a westerly wind at force 4, and heavy surf breaking on the beach, the decision was made to take the four casualties back to Burry Port as quickly as possible, as by now they were cold and wet, and the D-class lifeboat would tow the vessel back to Burry Port Harbour.

The four casualties were initially cared for at the station but they were soon taken by ambulance to hospital for further checks and were released after a few hours.

Grateful thanks to crew members Eddie Edwards and Catrin Burt for their casualty care at the Station. Also, a special thanks to Mrs Hilary Howells, a retired NHS ward sister, and one of our fundraisers, for helping out with the care of the casualties until the ambulance arrived.

A great team effort from the shore crew who swiftly launched the lifeboats, and the teamwork from the boat crews, whose joint efforts and speedy actions probably prevented a potentially very serious incident from occurring.

Thanks also to the Rhossili UK CG Team and the NHS Paramedics and Ambulance Crew for their prompt support.

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 142,700 lives.

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