Little and Broad Haven RNLI lifeboat crew assist with dramatic cliff rescue
On Monday (27 May) volunteer crew members from Little and Broad Haven RNLI were tasked to reports of four causalities stuck on cliffs near Nolton Haven.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were paged and launched at approximately 6.49pm on Monday evening (27 May). Arriving on scene, the crew found two of the reported casualties had made their own way to safety but there were still two others in difficulty. A member of the lifeboat crew went ashore to carry out an immediate casualty care assessment and provide reassurance, whilst he Coastguard Cliff Rescue Teams from Broad Haven, St Davids and Dale setup up a rope rescue operation.
The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Newquay was also tasked to provide air support, but the joint assessment was that the rope recovery by the Coastguard Cliff Rescue Teams would be the safest and most effective method.
Lifeboat Helm Matthew Ford said: 'When the boat arrived on scene the tide was too low for us to carry out the rescue without the casualties running the risk of entering the water. Having put one of the crew ashore to check their wellbeing, a joint decision was made that the most effective way to get them to safety was for the Coastguard Cliff Rescue Teams to bring them to the cliff top using their rope rescue equipment.'
Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Press Officer, Denys Bassett-Jones commented:
'We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful coastline on our doorstep that is enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. What this rescue shows however, is that even a slight detour from the marked coastal paths can turn a wonderful day out into a serious situation quite quickly.
'Luckily the people involved in this incident did the right thing and phoned 999 when they recognised they were in danger and help arrived soon after their call. This was a fantastic collaborative effort between rescue services and the casualties involved were brought to safety unharmed.'
The lifeboat was stood down once the casualties had been safely recovered and the crew returned to station for washdown and refuelling.
Notes to Editor- Local photographer Owen Canton happened to be on scene and captured some fantastic images which he has kindly shared with the teams involved.
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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 142,700 lives.
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