Porthcawl Wales – Volunteer lifeboat crews from Porthcawl RNLI rescued two people cut off by the incoming tide beneath cliffs between Ogmore and Southerndown on the Vale of Glamorgan coastline.

The rescue happened on Sunday 11 May around 2:27 pm after a 999 call to HM Coastguard. Both RNLI lifeboats, the Atlantic 85 Rose of the Shires and the D class lifeboat Hugo Missen, launched quickly due to the fast-rising spring tide.

The casualties were not local and unsure of their exact location. They stayed safely away from the water and used a phone to call for help.

Two volunteers from the Atlantic 85 lifeboat went ashore to reassure the casualties and gave them lifejackets. Then they helped them step onto the smaller D class lifeboat using a careful maneuver called veering, where the lifeboat moves backward alongside a small ledge.

The rescued people were moved back to the larger lifeboat and then brought safely to shore.

Nathan Evans, helm of the D class lifeboat, warned that the Bristol Channel has the second largest tidal range in the world and it is easy to become trapped by the tide if unfamiliar with the area.

The RNLI reminds everyone to check tide times and weather before visiting the coast and always carry a phone to call for help. In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

Sarah Lewis from the RNLI Water Safety Team said many people lack knowledge about tides, which can make walking near the coast dangerous, especially during spring tides and busy holiday periods.

She urged visitors to check tide times carefully and leave enough time to return safely to avoid being cut off.

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