Port Talbot RNLI lifeboat task to a unidentified floating object

On the first warm, clear, still, evening for many months, Port Talbot RNLI volunteer crew assembled quickly, launching their inshore lifeboat Craig Morris into the fading light of sunset. Directed from the shore to the last known sighting of the object by Port Talbot Coastguard Rescue Team working in unison with the lifeboat crew.

Quickly on scene, the highly experienced crew under the command of Helm Dai Jones commenced an immediate shore line search. Knowing the urgent nature of the tasking and when nothing was located immediately, Dai requested authorisation from the Coastguard to fire an illumination pyro 300 metres into the night sky to illuminate the area, enabling the crew to quickly spot the object. Fortunately on this occasion the object turned out to be a large log.

On his very first shout as a newly passed out Launch Authority, James Jennings said: 'My new role is very different from my usual role of being a helm, but my many years of experience as shore crew, launch vehicle driver, boat crew and helm have given me the knowledge of every role and what needs to be done to ensure a fast, safe and effective management of an incident.

'While on this occasion it was a false alarm with good intent, we would always encourage the first informant to call the Coastguard at earliest opportunity, allowing us to be on scene as quickly as possible as moments are critical if there is someone in difficulty. So this person did exactly the right thing'.

On the request of the Coastguard, fearing another sighting of the object may trigger another incident, the log was skilfully manoeuvred into the shallows of the ebbing tide line.

Once completed the Coastguard confirmed the volunteer crew could stand down. The boat was brought back to station to be washed and refuelled by the launch vehicle driver and shore crew. It takes a highly trained multi skilled team to launch and recover a lifeboat - ready to save lives at sea 24/7.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Ceri Jeffreys Port Talbot Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected].

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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