A dramatic search and rescue took place on Boxing Day morning, involving volunteer crew from Barry Dock RNLI, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency rescue helicopter, RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, HM Coastguard - Penarth and members of the public.

A person had fallen off their rowing craft off Lavernock Point near the Rannie Buoy, and unfortunately couldn't get back in. After the pagers were sounded, Barry Dock RNLI launched it's All Weather Lifeboat, heading to the location where the casualty was last seen, with the crew having calculated the rate of drift and had prepared a search pattern to carry out.

Emergency teams worked together

It was now a minimum of 45 minutes since the casualty had entered the water and they were in urgent need of help.

Barry Dock RNLI crew spotted the casualty in the water approximately on mile south of Sully Island. They were recovered to the lifeboat and given much needed casualty care by the crew.

Returning to Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, further medical care was given by the crew.

The coastguard helicopter was landed on Jackson's Bay

The coastguard helicopter was landed on Jackson's Bay to enable the paramedic on board to give medical assistance while awaiting an ambulance.

Although extremely poorly when rescued, the casualty has made a good recovery.

Training and working as a coordinated team throughout the year, prepares all crew for situations like this. One Crew, one team