Porthcawl and Barry Dock RNLI lifeboats launched into gale force winds and high waves after reports of people in the water in trouble at Llantwit Major.

Porthcawl RNLI volunteers launched the station’s Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Rose Of The Shires on service after the reports of people having been swept into the heavy seas from Llantwit Major beach.

HM Coastguard had received multiple 999 calls from people who saw the situation unfold. Conditions were rough with 2m swells and winds of force 8 gusting to force 9. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat made best speed in the conditions, arriving on scene within 20 minutes.

Whilst en-route reports suggested one person had made it ashore. Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter Rescue 187 arrived on scene shortly before Porthcawl RNLI’s lifeboat and having located and winched one person from the water was winching a second as the volunteer crew arrived at Llantwit Major beach. Both casualties were transferred to hospital by the helicopter.

In the meantime Barry Dock RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was also tasked to the scene and made best speed to the incident despite the difficult conditions.

Porthcawl RNLI crew began a search for further casualties but after a search of approximately 10 minutes it was established from one of those rescued that all persons had been accounted for.

Porthcawl volunteers also launched the smaller D-class inshore lifeboat on service, but it was stood down as it reached Southerndown due to the poor conditions.

Due to the adverse conditions, Barry Dock RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat accompanied Porthcawl’s inshore Atlantic 85 class lifeboat back to station, where both boats were made ready for their next service.