The volunteer RNLI crew at Porthcawl were paged at 9.22am this morning (13 June) following reports of a light aircraft in the sea between the lifeboat station and the Seabank Hotel at Porthcawl. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat launched to assist.

One person was onboard and was taken into the care of Coastguards.

Three RNLI lifeboats have been involved in ensuring the aircraft is secure and does not become a danger to navigation. Porthcawl’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat has been assisted by the station’s D-class lifeboat and D-class lifeboat from Port Talbot. All lifeboats offered assistance and returned to their respective stations just after 10.30am this morning.

Chris Page, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Porthcawl says:

‘RNLI volunteer crews never quite know what to expect when the call for help comes. We are trained to deal with every eventuality, but were incredibly relieved to arrive on scene to find the pilot was able to be safely recovered. This was a real multi-agency effort between the fire service, Police, ambulance service, the Coastguard and the RNLI.’

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For further information please contact Regional Media Manager for the RNLI in Wales on Danielle Rush on 07786 668829