Barry Dock RNLI involved in multi-agency rescue at Dams Bay
Barry Dock RNLIs volunteer crew were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 5.15pm on Sunday 4 August 2025, to assist a 61-year-old man who had sustained a suspected broken ankle after falling on rocks at Dams Bay, east of Rhoose Point.
The inshore lifeboat (ILB) launched with three crew members on board and made best speed in lumpy, choppy seas. On arrival at the scene, it quickly became clear that extraction by sea was not a viable option due to the casualty’s pain levels, the nature of his injury, and the rocky location.
Following discussion with Barry Coastguard Rescue who were on scene and given the challenging conditions with the potential for further injury, the decision was made to request helicopter assistance. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 was dispatched to extract the casualty from the rocks. The ILB remained on scene to provide support until the casualty was successfully winched into the helicopter and flown to hospital for treatment.
The lifeboat then returned to station, where she was washed down and made ready for service.
Chris White, Helm of the Barry Dock inshore lifeboat, said:
'No matter how prepared you are, we know accidents can happen. Thankfully the casualty had a fully charged mobile phone and was able to call the Coastguard for help. The coordinated multi-agency response between the Coastguard Rescue Team, the helicopter crew, and our volunteer lifeboat crew meant we could reach the casualty quickly and safely, despite the conditions.'
If you’re heading to the coast, always check the tide times and weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear, and take a means of calling for help. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editor - Key Information About the Barry Dock Lifeboat Station:
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station has been saving lives since 1901, and in July 2024, the station opened its new state-of-the-art facility.
· The RNLI Visitor Experience, opened in 2017, was one of the UK’s first RNLI drowning prevention centres, focusing on beach safety education for families.
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates as part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity that saves lives at sea.
· The RNLI provides a 24-hour search and rescue service across the UK and Ireland.
· Barry Dock Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore D-class lifeboat, providing search and rescue services along the Vale of Glamorgan coast.
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Newberry, Lifeboat Press Officer, Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, 07977 922889. Alternatively, you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728315, or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.