Emergency Sea Landing Near Cemaes Head
An aeroplane made an emergency sea landing approximately 10 miles north-west of Cemaes Head in north Pembrokeshire, west Wales. Two individuals on board were rescued following the incident.
New Quay RNLI lifeboat station reported receiving notifications from Milford Haven Coastguard on Friday at 18:06 BST regarding the aircraft ditching into the sea. The station promptly dispatched an all-weather lifeboat to the location, supported by a coastguard helicopter and additional lifeboats from the RNLI stations in Fishguard and Cardigan.
"Two casualties were spotted by the helicopter and were recovered by Cardigan lifeboat," stated New Quay RNLI.
The rescued individuals were transferred to a larger vessel for casualty care before being transported to hospital.
The aircraft had been en route from Ireland to Aberporth, where it was scheduled to stop overnight for refueling prior to continuing its journey to Italy.
Two aircraft were flying together when one encountered mechanical difficulties, leading to a mayday call to HM Coastguard and the subsequent forced sea ditching.
The casualties were brought ashore at New Quay's main pier.
Rescue Operation Details
Bernie Davies, Coxswain of New Quay RNLI, described the scene:
"The aircraft wreckage was quickly located, floating in the water with both casualties sitting on top, wearing lifejackets."
He added that both individuals were brought ashore at New Quay's main pier in Ceredigion and handed over to the Welsh Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital.
Ambulances were stationed at New Quay's main pier awaiting the arrival of the casualties.
Rees-Tom Jones, navigator for New Quay RNLI, provided further information on the condition of the rescued:
"The casualties were in shock and spent one night in hospital before being discharged [on Saturday] and have since taken the ferry back to Ireland from Fishguard."
Ed Hides, Lifeboat Operations Manager at New Quay RNLI, emphasized the collaborative effort involved in the rescue:
"This was a coordinated multi-agency response that highlights the speed, professionalism and teamwork of RNLI volunteers and HM Coastguard in challenging circumstances."
He added that working together they were able to "locate and rescue both casualties quickly and ensure they received the care they needed."
Welsh Ambulance Service Response
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed that two emergency ambulances and an operations manager were present at New Quay's main pier to receive and treat the two individuals from the aircraft.
"Both patients were assessed at the scene and conveyed to hospital for further treatment," the service reported.
