Two rescued from rocks after becoming stranded

TWO people had to be rescued from rocks in Carmarthen Bay after becoming stranded by the incoming tide near Ferryside.

The walkers, who are local and understood to be in their late teens or early twenties, were picked up by the Ferryside Lifeboat on Thursday afternoon. The lifeboat sustained minor damage itself in the rescue by striking rocks.

Anthony Rees, coxswain at Ferryside Lifeboat, said: “They were at a point known as Little Ben.

“From our point of view, it was actually a relatively benign task as the sea state was calm and there was still light.”

He added: “Having said that, the position of the walkers was such that the lifeboat still managed to hit a couple of rocks and incurred some very minor damage whilst moving inshore to pick up the walkers.

“It was also very cold, so they were treated for shock and exposure by the crew and kept at the boathouse until they were collected by their family.

“They left us fit and well, but as always, advice was given out to them to attend a doctor should that change in any way. The pair were returned to Ferryside lifeboat station safe and well.”

Earlier this month it was announced that the Ferryside Lifeboat team is one of almost 60 volunteer search and rescue teams that will benefit from £1 million in government funding to allow them to buy the equipment they need to save lives.

The independent team of volunteers, who raise all the money to fund their training and rescue missions themselves, have received £63,984.06 for the purchase of a surf rescue boat, outboard engines and other rescue equipment including dry-suits.