Barry Dock RNLI assist casualty airlifted from sea off Nells Point
Barry Dock RNLI’s volunteer crew launched their D class inshore lifeboat (ILB) on Saturday afternoon (21 June), following reports of a person in the water off Nells Point being swept by a rapidly outgoing tide.
The lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard and on arrival at the scene, the crew were informed the casualty had just been winched from the water by Coastguard rescue helicopter Rescue 187, which was hovering and preparing to land on Whitmore Bay.
Due to the level of radio traffic, sheer volume of noise from the helicopter and to ensure visibility for the pilot, Barry Dock ILB beached on the sand in front of the landing helicopter. Communications were established with Milford Haven Coastguard and the winchman from Rescue 187. It was confirmed that the casualty would be handed over to the lifeboat crew, as the helicopter had been diverted while returning to base after an earlier shout and was now low on fuel.
One of Barry Dock’s casualty care-trained volunteer crew members took the lead in assessing the casualty, working alongside the helicopter winchman. The casualty was cold and visibly shaking, and a ‘big sick’* determination was made. Oxygen was administered immediately using the oxygen kit carried onboard the D class lifeboat.
The casualty was wrapped in blankets and placed in a survival bag to assist with stabilisation. Following a full handover, Rescue 187 departed the scene. The casualty, now on oxygen and reunited with their family, was taken up the beach to the family’s vehicle on the Prom at Barry Island, to shelter from the wind and warm up gradually.
With Barry Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) also in attendance, the casualty continued to be monitored. Oxygen was later discontinued as the casualty's condition improved. With an ambulance several hours away, and following discussion with Barry CRT and the family, it was agreed that the casualty would be taken directly to A&E in Cardiff. A formal discharge card was issued by the RNLI volunteer crew, and advice given not to return home to the Midlands before receiving medical attention.
With all parties in agreement and the casualty safely handed over, Barry Dock lifeboat returned to station and was made ready for service.
Andy Gavan, Coxswain at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, said:
'This was a great example of multi-agency working at its best, with the helicopter crew, Coastguard rescue teams, and our volunteers all pulling together to ensure the casualty received the right care, quickly.
'I’m incredibly proud of our crew – their training, calm approach and excellent casualty care were all spot on. Incidents like this show just how vital that skillset is when every second counts.'
What to do if you see someone in difficulty in the water
If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
If you get into difficulty yourself:- Fight your instinct to swim hard – instead, Float to Live – turn on your back, put your ears in the water and try to control your breathing
- Extend your arms and legs like a starfish
- Once calm, raise your arm to signal for help.
Remember, even if conditions seem calm, the sea can be unpredictable. Always check tide times and weather forecasts before heading out, and carry a means of calling for help.
END
Notes to editor - Key Information About the Barry Dock Lifeboat Station:
- *Big Sick, Little Sick – is a method developed by the RNLI to quickly decide which patients require rapid evacuation for professional medical assistance and which are less urgent. Put simply, Big Sick means that the casualty is in serious danger and may die if they do not receive immediate medical attention. Little Sick can still be quite serious, but the patient is in a stable and non-critical condition.
- 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, on [email protected] or 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.