Two are winched to safety from sea
TWO people had to be winched to safety after being washed out to sea from Llantwit Major beach.
The Coastguard helicopter Rescue 187 was launched from St Athan and was joined in a search of the area by lifeboats from Porthcawl and Barry Dock after numerous 999 calls on Wednesday, August 3.
Porthcawl RNLI said volunteer crew members launched the Atlantic 85 boat, Rose of the Shires, at 7.50pm “to reports of multiple persons in the water and in difficulties in heavy seas having been swept from Llantwit Major beach”.
Both Porthcawl RNLI and Llantwit Major Coastguard said three people had been swept out to sea.
A spokesman for Porthcawl RNLI said despite the rough conditions – with two metre swells and gale force winds – they were on scene in 20 minutes.
He said: “Whilst enroute, reports suggested one person had made it ashore.
“Coastguard helicopter Rescue 187 arrived on scene shortly before the Atlantic 85 and, having located and winched one person from the water, was winching a second as we arrived on scene at Llantwit Major beach.
“Both casualties were transferred to hospital by the helicopter.”
The spokesman added: “We 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.
“Our volunteers also launched our D Class on service, however it was stood down as it reached Southerndown due to the conditions. Barry Dock Lifeboat was also tasked.”